FAQ
100 frequently asked questions
Types of traineeship
1)
Q: What is the difference between the traineeships for university
graduates and training placements (apart from the scholarship)?
2)
Q: What is the duration of the different types of traineeship
offered at Parliament?
3)
Q: What is the difference between the general and the journalism
option? Can I apply for both?
4)
Q: Are ‘journalism option’ tasks different from ‘general option’
tasks?
5)
Q: What is the ‘programme of traineeships for people with
disabilities’ and what kind of tasks are involved?
6)
Q: Can I apply for both a university graduate traineeship and a
training placement?
7)
Q: Can I apply both for a university graduate traineeship (general
or journalism option) and for the programme for people with disabilities?
8)
Q: Can I apply both for a training placement and for the
programme for people with disabilities?
Applications
9)
Q: How do I apply for a traineeship?
10)
Q: What are the general conditions for admission?
11)
Q: Who can apply for a traineeship at the European Parliament?
12) Q: Can I apply for a traineeship at the European Parliament if I
have already completed a traineeship for university graduates or a paid
training placement at a European institution?
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FAQ
13) Q: I am not a national of a Member State of the European Union
or of an applicant country. Can I apply for Parliament’s traineeships
programme?
14) Q: What is the application procedure for third-country nationals
from non-applicant countries?
15)
Q: Is there a maximum age limit for applicants?
16) Q: I have completed my studies (minimum three years’ duration)
but have not yet received my diploma. Can I nonetheless apply for a
university graduate traineeship?
17)
Q: What are the deadlines for applying?
18) Q: Is it necessary to go through the official procedure or are
unsolicited applications also possible?
19)
Q: Can I send the application by post?
20)
Q: Do I need to send any supporting documents when applying?
21) Q: How will I know that the Traineeships Office has received my
application?
22) Q: What should I do if I have not received a confirmation
message?
23)
Q: How can I trace a lost registration number?
24) Q: Should I contact the Traineeships Office to check the status of
my application?
25)
Q: Can I change my application?
26) Q: Can the Traineeships Office inform me earlier to enable me to
make any necessary preparations (finding accommodation, university
approval, visa application)?
Online application form
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FAQ
27)
Q: What should I bear in mind when applying online?
28) Q: Where can I find more details about traineeships and the
conditions for admission?
29) Q: Is the online application sufficient at the first stage of the
procedure?
30)
Q: Is the application form available in all the EU languages?
31)
Q: What is meant by an ‘undergraduate course’?
32) Q: What type of education should I include in the ‘postgraduate
studies’ field?
33)
Q: How will I know which departments to choose?
34) Q: How should I apply for a traineeship in one of the European
Parliament's Information Offices?
35) Q: Are preferences regarding places of work taken into
consideration?
36) Q: Can I submit more than one application to increase my
chances of being selected?
37)
Q: What should I do if I have made a mistake in my application?
38) Q: How many times can I reapply for future traineeship periods?
Is there any limit?
Selection procedure
39)
Q: How are trainees selected?
40)
Q: What are the stages of the procedure?
41) Q: If my application is rejected, will it be possible to find out why?
Do you compile lists of applicants’ scores?
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FAQ
42) Q: Can I obtain feedback on my application to increase my
chances for the next round?
43) Q: Could my application be reconsidered by departments other
than the two for which I expressed a preference?
44) Q: I have been placed on a waiting list. What are my chances of
being offered a traineeship?
45)
Q: What is the next stage in the procedure if I am preselected?
46)
Q: When should I send supporting documents?
47)
Q: Can I postpone the start of my traineeship until a later date?
48) Q: Can I defer my acceptance of the traineeship to a future
intake? In other words, if I am selected can I wait until a later period
before doing the traineeship?
49)
Q: Will the results of the selection procedure be published?
Recruitment procedure
50)
Q: Will I receive an official letter of admission?
51) Q: Do the copies of supporting documents need to be certified as
authentic copies of the originals?
52) Q: I have not yet received my postgraduate diploma. Should I
send it at a later stage?
53) Q: Do I have to send copies of certificates concerning my
language skills?
54) Q: I have been selected for the journalism option and have a
diploma in journalism. Do I also need to send published articles to prove
my journalistic skills?
55)
Q: Do I have to provide translations of supporting documents?
56)
Q: Do supporting documents have to be sent by registered mail?
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FAQ
57) Q: Will I be sent confirmation that the Traineeships Office has
received my documents?
58) Q: I no longer have the application form or the confirmation
message. Could the Traineeships Office locate my application form and
send me a copy to sign?
59) Q: I have got married since I submitted my application for a
traineeship for university graduates. Will that be relevant if I am
selected?
60) Q: My place of residence has changed since I applied for a
traineeship. Will that be relevant if I am selected?
61)
Q: Will I sign a contract with the European Parliament?
62)
Q: Can my traineeship be extended? If so, for how long?
The traineeship
63)
Q: Are all trainees based in Brussels or Luxembourg?
64)
Q: What are the working hours?
65)
Q: Can I do a part-time traineeship?
66)
Q: Who will be responsible for me during my traineeship?
67) Q: I would like to know more about the tasks involved in my
traineeship programme. Who should I contact?
68) Q: Can you provide me with names and addresses of other
trainees who will be doing their traineeship at the same time as me?
69) Q: Does the European Parliament provide any kind of
accommodation?
70) Q: Where can I stay during my traineeship? How much a month
will I have to spend on accommodation?
71)
Q: Is there a dress code at the European Parliament?
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FAQ
72)
Q: Will I need a visa?
73)
Q: How many days’ leave am I entitled to?
74)
Q: What is meant by ‘special leave’?
75)
Q: What should I do if I fall ill during my traineeship?
76)
Q: Will my traineeship involve any duty travel?
Financial aspects
77)
Q: Are trainees insured?
78) Q: Am I entitled to allowances if I am offered a training
placement?
79) Q: Does the European Parliament cover the cost of travel from
my place of residence to the place where I am to do my traineeship?
80) Q: Will Parliament cover the costs of my daily commuting to and
from work?
81) Q: Do I have to have a bank account in the country of
assignment?
82) Q: Is it possible to obtain an advance on the scholarship on
arrival?
83) Q: Under what circumstances would I be entitled to the household
allowance during my traineeship?
84) Q: Will I be entitled to unemployment benefit after I have
completed my traineeship in the European Parliament?
85) Q: What is the amount of the scholarship paid by the European
Parliament?
86) Q: Is a traineeship considered to be employment? Will I be
exempted from paying social security contributions in my home
country?
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FAQ
87)
Q: Is the scholarship subject to taxation?
88) Q: Will my traineeship period count towards my pension
calculation?
89) Q: Do I have to terminate my current employment for the duration
of the traineeship?
90) Q: Is any other grant, e.g. from a university, or an orphan’s
allowance considered income?
91)
Q: What is the procedure for going on ‘mission’?
92) Q: What is the procedure for claiming reimbursement of mission
expenses?
Career prospects
93) Q: What are my prospects of securing employment at the
European Parliament after the traineeship?
Some statistics
94) Q: How many applications does the European Parliament receive
each year and how many are accepted?
95)
Q: Which countries do the trainees come from?
96)
Q: Where are trainees usually based?
97)
Q: Is it easier to get a traineeship in some places than in others?
98) Q: Are there more university graduate traineeship opportunities or
more training placements?
Study visits
99)
Q: What is the purpose of study visits?
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FAQ
100) Q: What is the procedure for study visits?
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FAQ
Types of traineeship
1)
Q: What is the difference between the traineeships for
university graduates and training placements (apart from the
scholarship)?
A: The traineeships for university graduates are open only to graduates from
universities or from other colleges regarded as equivalent. Their purpose is to
enable trainees to supplement the knowledge which they acquired during their
studies and to familiarise themselves with the activities of the European Union
and, in particular, the European Parliament.
Training placements are intended for young people who have gained the postsecondary school diploma corresponding to university entrance level, e.g. the
Abitur (DE), the baccalauréat (FR, LT), the matura (PL, AT), or have reached
an equivalent level of higher or technical education. Priority is given to young
people who are required to complete a traineeship as part of their course of
study.
2)
Q: What is the duration of the different types of traineeship
offered at Parliament?
A: Traineeships for university graduates and on the traineeship programme for
people with disabilities last five months. This period cannot be extended. There
are two set periods: 1 March - 31 July and 1 October - 28 February.
Training placements last between one and four months if they are not
compulsory and may begin on 1 January, 1 May or 1 September.
If the traineeship is compulsory, its duration and dates correspond to those
indicated by the educational establishment. These traineeships may be extended
by a maximum of two months.
Different hours may be worked by trainees involved in childcare activities
(crèche traineeships).
The periods of work are indicated in Article 26 of the Internal Rules Governing
Traineeships and Study Visits.
3)
Q: What is the difference between the general and the
journalism option? Can I apply for both?
A: The journalism option has been designed for those who have studied, or
acquired experience in, journalism. They must be able to demonstrate their
professional experience as evidenced either by works published, or by
membership of a journalists’ association in an EU Member State, or by a
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FAQ
journalism qualification recognised in EU Member States or in applicant
countries.
Yes, you can apply for both options, if you fulfil the requirements.
4)
Q: Are ‘journalism option’ tasks different from ‘general option’
tasks?
A: Some departments expect people with a background in journalism to perform
typical journalistic tasks such as editing.
5)
Q: What is the ‘programme of traineeships for people with
disabilities’ and what kind of tasks are involved?
A: These traineeships are open both to graduates of universities or equivalent
institutions and to people whose qualifications are below university level. To be
eligible you must be able to certify that you have one or more disabilities. This
programme is aimed especially at people with a disability and offers extra
facilities such as reasonable accommodation at work and information
concerning possible options for accessible housing and transport and assistance.
Moreover, trainees’ additional expenses arising directly from disability may be
covered up to 50% of the amount of their monthly scholarship provided that
they submit substantiating documents.
The tasks involved vary depending on the nature of potential host administrative
units and range from internal or external policies to communication, human
resources, infrastructure, translation, interpreting, finance, law or IT.
6)
Q: Can I apply for both a university graduate traineeship and a
training placement?
A: Yes, if you satisfy the conditions.
7)
Q: Can I apply both for a university graduate traineeship
(general or journalism option) and for the programme for
people with disabilities?
A: Yes, if you satisfy the conditions.
8)
Q: Can I apply both for a training placement and for the
programme for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, if you satisfy the conditions.
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FAQ
Applications
9)
Q: How do I apply for a traineeship?
A: To apply for a traineeship, you must complete the online application form
available at:
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/aboutparliament/en/007cecd1cc/Traineeships.html , specifying
your choice of traineeship.
As applications must be submitted using the online application form, we would
advise you not to wait till the last day before applying, in order to avoid
overloading the system.
10) Q: What are the general conditions for admission?
A: Trainees must:
(a) be nationals of a Member State of the European Union or of an applicant
country;
(b) be aged 18 or over on the traineeship starting date;
(c) have a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the European
Union;
(d) not have been awarded any other traineeship or have been in paid
employment for more than four consecutive weeks at the expense of the
European Union budget;
(e) for trainees in the field of childcare, a declaration proving no criminal record,
issued in the last year at their most recent place of residence. A declaration
specifically issued to individuals having contact with children is required if such
a document exists in the country in question.
11) Q: Who can apply for a traineeship at the European
Parliament?
A: Traineeships for university graduates:
You may apply for a Robert Schuman traineeship (general option) if you have
completed a course of study of at least three years’ duration at a university or
equivalent college and obtained a degree or equivalent certificate there.
If you have professional experience as evidenced either by works published, or
by membership of a journalists’ association in an EU Member State, or by a
journalism qualification recognised in EU Member States or in candidate
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FAQ
countries for membership of the EU, you may apply for a Robert Schuman
traineeship (journalism option).
Traineeships for university graduates are also open to people with disabilities
who are graduates of universities or equivalent institutions and people whose
qualifications are below university level.
12) Q: Can I apply for a traineeship at the European Parliament if I
have already completed a traineeship for university graduates
or a paid training placement at a European institution?
A: No. You may apply only if you have not completed a university graduate
traineeship or a paid training placement and have not been in paid employment
for more than four consecutive weeks at the expense of the European Union
budget.
13) Q: I am not a national of a Member State of the European
Union or of an applicant country. Can I apply for Parliament’s
traineeships programme?
A: With the exception of the pilot programme for people with disabilities, the
European Parliament also allows third-country nationals from non-applicant
countries to do traineeships for university graduates or training placements.
Successful applicants from third countries must ensure that they comply with
visa requirements prior to their entry into the country to which they have been
assigned. They must ensure that their visa is valid for the entire duration of their
traineeship and enables them to travel freely within the country of assignment,
as well as Belgium, Luxembourg and France, where the European Parliament’s
three places of work are situated. Visa charges will not be met by the European
Parliament.
14) Q: What is the application procedure for third-country
nationals from non-applicant countries?
A: It is the same as for other forms of traineeship. Third-country nationals from
non-applicant countries may do traineeships at the European Parliament,
although the number who do so may not exceed 10% of the total number of
traineeships.
15) Q: Is there a maximum age limit for applicants?
A: No.
Training placements:
The European Parliament offers the opportunity of training placements for
young people who have gained a secondary school diploma corresponding to
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FAQ
university entrance level, e.g. the Abitur (DE), the baccalauréat (FR, LT) or the
matura (PL, AT), or have reached an equivalent level of higher or technical
education. Priority is given to young people who are required to complete a
traineeship as part of their course of study.
16) Q: I have completed my studies (minimum three years’
duration) but have not yet received my diploma. Can I
nonetheless apply for a university graduate traineeship?
A: If you have completed your studies but not yet received an official degree
certificate, you can still apply to do a university graduate traineeship if you
provide a formal statement from your university confirming your degree result.
17) Q: What are the deadlines for applying?
A: Applications for traineeships for university graduates, including traineeships
for people with disabilities, must be submitted online between 15 August and 15
October (at midnight) for traineeships beginning on 1 March, and between 15
March and 15 May (at midnight) for traineeships beginning on 1 October.
Online applications for training placements starting on 1 January, 1 May or 1
September must reach us at least three months before those starting dates.
18) Q: Is it necessary to go through the official procedure or are
unsolicited applications also possible?
A: You must follow the official online procedure.
19) Q: Can I send the application by post?
A: No. Only online applications will be considered. The only exception will be
for people with disabilities who are unable to access the online application form.
In that case the applicant should contact the Traineeships Office using the
Contact form on our website to request the application form in Word format,
which the applicant can then send by e-mail and/or ordinary mail.
20) Q: Do I need to send any supporting documents when
applying?
A: No. You should not send any supporting documents when completing your
online application. Supporting documents will be requested if you are offered a
traineeship at a later stage. You will not be admitted if you fail to provide all the
documents requested or to submit a complete application.
21) Q: How will I know that the Traineeships Office has received
my application?
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FAQ
A: Once you have confirmed/sent your online application you will automatically
receive a confirmation message at your e-mail address. The message contains a
confirmation number that you should quote in all future correspondence
concerning the traineeship and a copy of your application in pdf format, a paper
version of which will be requested from you if we offer you a traineeship.
22) Q: What should I do if I have not received a confirmation
message?
A: If you have not received a confirmation message your application may not
have been successfully delivered. Please try to resend it.
Remember to tick the box for the declaration on your honour. When the
‘Confirm’ button appears, you can submit your application.
23) Q: How can I trace a lost registration number?
A: Please contact the Traineeships Office using the Contact form on the website
to recover your registration number.
24) Q: Should I contact the Traineeships Office to check the status
of my application?
A: No. You will be informed by e-mail about the outcome of the selection
procedure.
25) Q: Can I change my application?
A: Applications are completed and submitted in a single operation and cannot be
changed online. However, you should inform the Traineeships Office of any
changes in your postal or e-mail address or telephone number.
26) Q: Can the Traineeships Office inform me earlier to enable me
to make any necessary preparations (finding accommodation,
university approval, visa application)?
A: No. The selection procedure cannot begin until after the deadline for receipt
of applications. As soon as the Traineeships Office has drawn up the final list of
preselected applicants, you will be informed by e-mail whether you have been
accepted or not. At that point, the Traineeships Office may help preselected
applicants to make preparations.
Online application form
27) Q: What should I bear in mind when applying online?
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FAQ
A: If your application form remains inactive for 30 minutes (90 minutes in the
case of the application form for traineeships for people with disabilities), the
data entered will be lost. We therefore recommend reading carefully the
‘Internal Rules Governing Traineeships and Study Visits in the Secretariat of the
European Parliament’ and all of these Frequently Asked Questions before
completing the application form.
28) Q: Where can I find more details about traineeships and the
conditions for admission?
A: The ‘Internal Rules Governing Traineeships and Study Visits in the
Secretariat of the European Parliament’, which provide more information about
traineeships, are available on our website in all the official EU languages.
29) Q: Is the online application sufficient at the first stage of the
procedure?
A: Yes. If you are selected, you will be asked to submit the paper version of
your application form, duly signed, together with the supporting documents.
30) Q: Is the application form available in all the EU languages?
A: No. The application form is available in the three main working languages of
the European Union institutions: English, French and German. However, you
can complete the descriptive parts in any of the official EU languages.
31) Q: What is meant by an ‘undergraduate course’?
A: The term ‘undergraduate course’ denotes a level of education higher than
the post-secondary education preceding a first university degree. This includes
first-cycle studies, e.g. the licence (FR), the laurea triennale (IT), the licentiate
(PL), the ptychion (GR), or a master’s or magister degree awarded on
completion of a four or five-year academic programme.
IMPORTANT: To satisfy the conditions for admission to a traineeship for
university graduates, candidates must, before the deadline for applications, have
obtained a university degree after a course of study of at least three years’
duration. That being the case, it is essential for you to have completed this first
cycle of studies, as evidenced by a diploma.
32) Q:
What type of education
‘postgraduate studies’ field?
should
I
include
in
the
A: Postgraduate education involves studying for degrees or other
qualifications higher than first-cycle degrees, for which a first-level university
degree (undergraduate level) is required. Examples include a master’s degree
awarded on completion of a one- to two-year academic programme, a doctorate,
etc.
7
FAQ
33) Q: How will I know which departments to choose?
A: You can specify – in order of preference – two departments in which you
would like to do your traineeship; the departments chosen will most likely be
those working in fields related to the subject of your studies.
34) Q: How should I apply for a traineeship in one of the European
Parliament's Information Offices?
A: In order to apply for a traineeship in an EPIO, you should choose
Directorate-General for Communication as one of your preferred departments
and a city in which the EPIO is based as a preferred place of work. For this you
should speak the language of the chosen country.
35) Q: Are preferences regarding places of work taken into
consideration?
A: Yes. We try to respect candidates’ preferences regarding their chosen place
of work. However, bear in mind that Parliament’s departments are for the most
part based either in Brussels or in Luxembourg.
36) Q: Can I submit more than one application to increase my
chances of being selected?
A: No. If we receive more than one application for the same kind of traineeship
we will keep only the most recent one and delete the previous versions.
For detailed information on the main tasks of the various departments, a
description of the main activities per directorate-general is available both in the
online application form for traineeships (by clicking on i) and on Parliament’s
website:
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/aboutparliament/en/00d7a6c2b2/Secretariat.html.
IMPORTANT: given the very high number of applicants, your application will
be sent only to those departments in which you have expressed an interest.
37) Q: What should I do if I have made a mistake in my
application?
A: Please apply again. Afterwards contact the Traineeships Office using the
Contact form, quoting the registration number of the incorrect application. We
will take the necessary action. Otherwise we will keep only the most recent
application and delete the previous versions.
38) Q: How many times can I reapply for future traineeship
periods? Is there any limit?
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FAQ
A: No. If you are interested in a future traineeship at the European Parliament
and still satisfy the conditions for admission you can reapply for each new
period.
Selection procedure
39) Q: How are trainees selected?
A: Trainees are selected by those departments wishing to take on trainees for a
given traineeship period. Selection is made according to the professional
background required, taking into account the tasks to be assigned to a trainee
within the range of the departments’ projected activities and the ability to
accommodate trainees in a given period.
IMPORTANT: Given the very high number of applicants, your application will
be sent only to the departments in which you have expressed an interest.
40) Q: What are the stages of the procedure?
A: Applicants have to apply online within the specified deadline. The only
exception will be for people with disabled who are unable to access the online
application form. In that case the applicant should contact the Traineeships
Office using the Contact form on our website to request the application form in
Word format, which the applicant can then send by e-mail and/or ordinary mail.

After the deadline the Traineeships Office verifies the eligibility of the
applications.

If your application is not eligible you will be informed by e-mail
shortly after the deadline for applications.

Eligible applications are considered by the departments of the various
directorates-general, depending on where the applicants’ would like to
be based.

Two to three months before the starting date, applicants will be
informed about the outcome of the procedure (unsuccessful, waiting
list, preselected applicants).

Preselected applicants will be asked to confirm their participation and
send all the supporting documents to the Traineeships Office, together
with the printed and signed copy of their application form.

Once the preselection has been completed, and provided your file is
complete and admissible, you will be sent an admission letter and
certain useful information.
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FAQ

Applicants on the waiting list will not be contacted again unless
selected applicants have declined the traineeship offers.
Applicants who apply under the ‘programme of traineeships for people with a
disability’ and who are preselected on the basis of merit and skills will also be
required to provide the following documents:
1. a document certifying your disability, recognised in a Member State of the
European Union or in an applicant country;
2. a duly completed reasonable accommodation form;
3. a diagnosis of the disability and a medical summary drawn up in English or
French by the examining doctor, sent in a in a sealed envelope marked
‘confidential’.
Please note that any information provided about a disability will be treated in
strict confidence and will be used only by European Parliament staff responsible
for assessing the possibility of a reasonable accommodation for the purpose of
making the specific adaptations in the workplace and helping with the search for
accessible housing, transport and assistance.
41) Q: If my application is rejected, will it be possible to find out
why? Do you compile lists of applicants’ scores?
A: No. We do not produce such lists. Applicants are selected on the basis of an
assessment of their qualifications and skills, with the aim of finding a
traineeship which best matches their profile. The assessment is based on the
information provided in the applications. If applicants are of equal merit, a
balance will be sought – to the extent allowed by the limited number of
traineeships – between men and women and in terms of geographical origin.
42) Q: Can I obtain feedback on my application to increase my
chances for the next round?
A: Given the very high number of applications we receive (over 8 000 for each
period), we are not able to provide this information.
The decision as to who is best suited to the requirements of the departments in
each selection procedure is determined by the quality of the applicants’ files,
taking into account their education, knowledge of languages, experience and
sometimes nationality, as well as the particular needs of Parliament’s
departments, their current or projected activities, and their ability to
accommodate trainees.
43) Q: Could my application be reconsidered by departments
other than the two for which I expressed a preference?
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FAQ
A: No. Given the very high number of applicants (over 8 000 for each period)
we cannot send all of the applications to every unit in Parliament’s Secretariat.
We have to apply certain selection criteria, including having applicants specify
two preferred departments.
44) Q: I have been placed on a waiting list. What are my chances
of being offered a traineeship?
A: If the selected applicant has accepted the proposed traineeship, no further
action will be taken on your application. Otherwise, or if the selected applicant
eventually fails to complete the traineeship, we will approach applicants on the
waiting list, who will be contacted in order of merit.
45) Q: What is the next stage in the procedure if I am preselected?
A: If you are preselected, we will send you a traineeship offer by e-mail. You
will have time to consider it and let us know your decision. If you wish to
receive additional information about the content of your traineeship and the
tasks you will be asked to carry out, you should contact your supervisor directly
at the specified address.
46) Q: When should I send supporting documents?
A: If you decide to accept our traineeship offer, you will be required to send us
your supporting documents, together with a printed copy of your application
form, dated and signed.
For applicants with a disability, the procedure is a little different. In addition to
the supporting documents and a printed copy of the application form, dated and
signed, the following additional information will also be required in order to
prepare the reasonable accommodation:

A duly completed reasonable accommodation form;
(Please note that every effort will be made to meet your needs, to the best of our ability and
within reason (to be determined by the committee responsible for ensuring reasonable
accommodation). Completing this form does not guarantee that all requested adaptations will
be carried out.)

A diagnosis of the disability and a medical summary drawn up in
English or French by the examining doctor, sent in a in a sealed
envelope marked ‘confidential’.
47) Q: Can I postpone the start of my traineeship until a later
date?
A: Applicants who decline the offer of a traineeship (Schuman scholarships)
must reapply. Their new application will be considered along with all other
applications received for the chosen period.
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FAQ
For compulsory training placements, if the traineeship dates are not known at
the time of enrolment, please contact us using the Contact form on our website.
48) Q: Can I defer my acceptance of the traineeship to a future
intake? In other words, if I am selected can I wait until a later
period before doing the traineeship?
A: Unfortunately, for administrative and budgetary reasons, there is no
possibility of deferring acceptance of a traineeship. If you are unable to take up
our offer, the proposed traineeship will be offered to another applicant whose
name is on the waiting list.
49) Q: Will the results of the selection procedure be published?
A: No. The results of the selection procedure will not be published. The eligible
applicants will be informed of the results of the selection procedure by e-mail.
Recruitment procedure
50) Q: Will I receive an official letter of admission?
A: Yes. If your file is complete and meets the admission conditions, we will
send you an official letter of invitation, accompanied by a traineeship
agreement, which you should sign, as well as other useful information (e.g.
about accommodation or other administrative issues).
The letter of admission will be sent to you by e-mail or by post (if you need to
apply for a visa). You do not, therefore, need to sign a confirmation of receipt.
51) Q: Do the copies of supporting documents need to be certified
as authentic copies of the originals?
A: No. You should send only ordinary copies of the supporting documents.
52) Q: I have not yet received my postgraduate diploma. Should I
send it at a later stage?
A: No. This is not necessary. A copy of your undergraduate degree is sufficient.
53) Q: Do I have to send copies of certificates concerning my
language skills?
A: No. You do not need to send us proof of your language skills.
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FAQ
54) Q: I have been selected for the journalism option and have a
diploma in journalism. Do I also need to send published
articles to prove my journalistic skills?
A: No. If you have been awarded a qualification in journalism recognised in the
Member States of the European Union or in the applicant countries, your
university degree is sufficient to demonstrate your professional experience.
55) Q: Do I have to provide translations of supporting documents?
A: In principle no. We accept all supporting documents as long as they are in an
official language of the European Union.
The only exception is for the disability diagnosis and other relevant information
concerning the disability (e.g. medicines, physiotherapy) which we require of
applicants applying under the ‘programme of traineeships for people with a
disability’. These documents must be in English, French or German to allow the
doctors to make a quick assessment of the reasonable accommodation needed
for each applicant’s traineeship.
56) Q: Do supporting documents have to be sent by registered
mail?
A: Not necessarily, since they will just be copies.
57) Q: Will I be sent confirmation that the Traineeships Office has
received my documents?
A: No. If the Traineeships Office finds a problem with your documents, we will
contact you by e-mail.
58) Q: I no longer have the application form or the confirmation
message. Could the Traineeships Office locate my application
form and send me a copy to sign?
A: No. Unfortunately the Traineeships Office cannot send you the original of
your application form, as it comes into our database in a different form. It is
very important to keep the copy of the application form you received when you
submitted it.
59) Q: I have got married since I submitted my application for a
traineeship for university graduates. Will that be relevant if I
am selected?
A: Yes. If you accept the offer of a traineeship for university graduates, you
should inform the Traineeships Office of any changes in your marital status
(marriage, children).
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FAQ
60) Q: My place of residence has changed since I applied for a
traineeship. Will that be relevant if I am selected?
A: Yes. If you decide to accept the traineeship offer, you should inform the
Traineeships Office of your address at your actual place of residence which,
according to Article 14(1) of the Internal Rules Governing Traineeships, has to
be the same for both the beginning and the end of your traineeship.
No request for a change of actual place of residence will be granted once the
trainee has started the traineeship.
61) Q: Will I sign a contract with the European Parliament?
A: You will be required to sign a traineeship agreement. If you are still
following a university course, your college or university should also sign it.
62) Q: Can my traineeship be extended? If so, for how long?
A: Traineeships for university graduates (general or journalism option) and
those under the programme for people with disabilities last five months and
cannot be extended.
Training placements last between one and four months and can be extended in
justified, exceptional cases for up to two months.
The traineeship
63) Q: Are all trainees based in Brussels or Luxembourg?
A: No. When you apply for a traineeship you can choose from several work
places:
Luxembourg, Brussels, Strasbourg or an EP Information Office in any EU
Member State.
If you choose an Information Office, you must be able to speak the language of
the chosen country fluently.
64) Q: What are the working hours?
A: Working hours are from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break.
Except during the week preceding a parliamentary part-session in Strasbourg, on
Fridays the working day ends at 1 p.m. (‘short Friday’).
Different hours may be worked by trainees involved in childcare activities.
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FAQ
A traineeship is not compatible with university tuition during working hours.
65) Q: Can I do a part-time traineeship?
A: No. All applicants who are accepted for a traineeship must work full time,
which at the European Parliament means 37.5 hours a week.
Different hours may be worked by trainees involved in childcare activities.
66) Q: Who will be responsible for me during my traineeship?
A: Trainees are under the responsibility of a supervisor for the entire duration of
their traineeship.
67) Q: I would like to know more about the tasks involved in my
traineeship programme. Who should I contact?
A: To obtain more information about the tasks to be entrusted to you during
your traineeship, please contact your supervisor at the e-mail address indicated
in our traineeship offer.
68) Q: Can you provide me with names and addresses of other
trainees who will be doing their traineeship at the same time
as me?
A: As a rule, we are not allowed to pass on the personal details of other trainees.
However, we can do so if trainees agree to communicate their details to other
trainees or interested bodies.
69) Q: Does the European Parliament provide any kind of
accommodation?
A: No. Finding and paying for accommodation is entirely your responsibility.
On request, the welcome desks in Brussels and Luxembourg can supply a list of
accommodation possibilities. In Brussels you can also consult the websites:
http://www.brusselsdestination.be/ or www.etr-brussels.be.
70) Q: Where can I stay during my traineeship? How much a
month will I have to spend on accommodation?
A: It depends on your place of work and the type of accommodation you find.
Trainees in Brussels and Luxembourg can expect to find rooms in private homes
for between EUR 300 and EUR 600 a month. You will most likely be asked to
pay a deposit.
For trainees with a disability it may be difficult to find accessible and/or adapted
accommodation. Although the European Parliament’s relevant services will do
15
FAQ
all they can to help trainees with a disability find accommodation, we cannot
guarantee that this will always be possible. Trainees should look for
accommodation well in advance. The European Parliament cannot be held
responsible if a trainee fails to find adequate accommodation in the designated
place of work.
71) Q: Is there a dress code at the European Parliament?
A: There is no particular dress code. Please make sure, however, that whatever
you wear is neat and clean. Men would be well advised to bring at least one suit
for any missions to Strasbourg.
72) Q: Will I need a visa?
A: If you are not a national of an EU Member State you will need a multiple visa
in order to enter the country where you will do your traineeship. The position
may also depend on your current status and whether you are currently living in
your home country or abroad. Please contact the embassy or consulate of the
country concerned (the one in which you are to do your traineeship) in the
country where you have legal residence. You can also check on a specialist visa
website.
73) Q: How many days’ leave am I entitled to?
A: Trainees are entitled to two days’ leave for each completed month of their
traineeship. It is possible, for example, to take all 10 days together, but only at
the end of the traineeship and in agreement with your supervisor.
74) Q: What is meant by ‘special leave’?
A: Special leave refers to leave requested by trainees to take compulsory courses
or exams. A supporting document from the institution concerned must be
provided. If study leave is not granted, the trainee may ask for the traineeship to
be temporarily suspended.
Other special leave may be granted.
75) Q: What should I do if I fall ill during my traineeship?
A: If you are ill you should immediately inform your supervisor. If you are
absent from work for more than three calendar days you will need to provide a
medical certificate.
76) Q: Will my traineeship involve any duty travel?
A: During the traineeship, trainees may be sent on mission to one of the
European Parliament’s normal places of work in order to observe parliamentary
business.
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FAQ
Financial aspects
77) Q: Are trainees insured?
A: Yes. The European Parliament takes out supplementary health insurance and
accident insurance for trainees and pays the premiums in full.
At the request of trainees, the European Parliament may also insure their
spouses and children. In that event, the trainees must pay the insurance
premiums.
Supplementary health insurance covers the costs incurred by all necessary
medical examinations or emergency dental treatment not covered by your
primary insurance. All trainees are also covered in the event of an accident at
work or on the way to work.
The European Parliament does not provide liability insurance; personal cover of
this type is therefore your responsibility.
78) Q: Am I entitled to allowances if I am offered a training
placement?
A: Yes. In 2013 the amount is EUR 300. The allowance may be subject to the
weighting applicable to the country in which the traineeship is carried out. For
traineeships outside the European Union the applicable weighting is 100%. The
allowance is paid in euros on the 15th of each month, provided the trainee is not
receiving a scholarship or any external earnings.
IMPORTANT: If, during the traineeship, a trainee receives earnings or a
scholarship from another source, an amount equivalent to this outside income
will be deducted from the amount to which the trainee is entitled.
79) Q: Does the European Parliament cover the cost of travel from
my place of residence to the place where I am to do my
traineeship?
A: Trainees are entitled to a flat-rate payment towards the cost of travel between
their actual place of residence and their place of assignment at the beginning and
end of the traineeship if the distance between the two places is more than 50 km.
The costs of travel between the actual place of residence (address as indicated in
the letter of invitation) and the place of assignment are covered on the basis of
the flat rate laid down in Article 14 of the Internal Rules Governing
Traineeships.
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FAQ
Payment for the journey to the place of work will be made at the beginning of
the traineeship and for the return journey a few weeks after the end of the
traineeship.
80) Q: Will Parliament cover the costs of my daily commuting to
and from work?
A: No. Transport costs incurred during your traineeship are not paid by the
European Parliament.
81) Q: Do I have to have a bank account in the country of
assignment?
A: No. You can give us your bank details in any country. Remember, however,
that some banks may charge you for receiving transfers.
82) Q: Is it possible to obtain an advance on the scholarship on
arrival?
A: Yes. On arrival, you may request an advance on the monthly scholarship for
the first month. The advance may not exceed 90% of the monthly amount of the
scholarship.
83) Q: Under what circumstances would I be entitled to the
household allowance during my traineeship?
A: Trainees who are married and/or have one or more dependent children are
entitled to a head of household allowance. In 2013 this allowance is EUR 242 a
month. The amount is updated on 1 January every year.
84) Q: Will I be entitled to unemployment benefit after I have
completed my traineeship in the European Parliament?
A: You are responsible for your own rights and obligations. We would draw
your attention to the fact that if you were receiving unemployment benefit prior
to the start of your traineeship, you might lose that benefit during your
traineeship.
Normally, a traineeship at the European Parliament does not give rise to an
entitlement to unemployment benefit.
You should seek advice from the administrative authorities in your country.
85) Q: What is the amount of the scholarship paid by the
European Parliament?
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FAQ
A: In 2013 the scholarship is EUR 1213.55 a month for trainees assigned to
Brussels or Luxembourg. The amount is updated on 1 January every year. For
trainees outside Belgium or Luxembourg, the amount of the scholarship is
weighted to reflect the higher or lower cost of living in the relevant countries.
Trainees on a traineeship for people with disabilities who incur additional costs
as a result of their disability can apply for an additional payment of up to 50% of
the scholarship, on presentation of appropriate supporting documents.
86) Q: Is a traineeship considered to be employment? Will I be
exempted from paying social security contributions in my
home country?
A: A traineeship at the European Parliament is not considered employment.
During your traineeship you do not contribute to any social security scheme,
either on an EU basis or in the country where you are assigned.
As far as social security contributions in your country of origin are concerned,
you should ask your national administration about the rules on traineeships.
87) Q: Is the scholarship subject to taxation?
A: Meeting your tax obligations is entirely your responsibility. The scholarship
is not subject to an EU tax.
You should seek advice from the administrative authorities in your country.
88) Q: Will my traineeship period count towards my pension
calculation?
A: Traineeship periods are not normally counted towards the pension
calculation.
You should seek advice from the administrative authorities in your country.
89) Q: Do I have to terminate my current employment for the
duration of the traineeship?
A: You cannot do a traineeship in the European Parliament at the same time as
being employed elsewhere. On arrival, you will be required to sign a statement
declaring that you are not receiving any earnings or scholarship from another
source. If you are, that amount will be deducted from the amount to which you
are entitled.
90) Q: Is any other grant, e.g. from a university, or an orphan’s
allowance considered income?
A: No. ‘Earnings’ means only the salary received from an employer.
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FAQ
91) Q: What is the procedure for going on ‘mission’?
A: Before you go on mission, the relevant department draws up a mission order.
The directorate-general authorises missions a week in advance of their start date.
An advance on the mission expenses may be paid on request.
Journeys should be made using the most appropriate and most cost-effective
means of transport; for example, by train in second class or by plane in economy
class. A flat-rate payment will be made to your bank account to cover hotel and
subsistence costs (meals, transport).
Trainees are entitled to an advance of 70% of the expected costs (excluding
transport). Where trainees are authorised to travel on mission during the last 15
days of their traineeship, they are not entitled to an advance.
92) Q: What is the procedure for claiming reimbursement of
mission expenses?
Upon return, trainees complete a declaration of expenses and have it signed by
their supervisor. The declaration of expenses must be sent within 10 calendar
days of the end of the mission. After 15 calendar days have passed, any amounts
advanced will be automatically recovered from the trainee.
The balance is paid after the declaration of expenses has been received and
checked.
Career prospects
93) Q: What are my prospects of securing employment at the
European Parliament after the traineeship?
A: Traineeships do not give trainees the right to future employment in the
European Parliament. Officials are recruited on the basis of the open
competitions organised by EPSO; contract staff are employed on the basis of the
calls for expression of interest published by EPSO. For further information on
jobs, consult the European Parliament website http://www.europarl.ep.ec/.
Some statistics
94) Q: How many applications does the European Parliament
receive each year and how many are accepted?
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FAQ
A: In 2011, the European Parliament received 7 413 applications to do a
university graduate traineeship (including 423 applications under the
programme of traineeships for people with a disability) and 2 549 applications
for a training placement. Only 373 applicants for graduate traineeships, 18
applicants under the disability programme and 166 applicants for training
placements were accepted.
In 2012, the European Parliament received 8 465 applications to do a university
graduate traineeship (including 294 applications under the programme of
traineeships for people with a disability) and 2 477 applications for a training
placement. Only 431 applicants for graduate traineeships, 24 applicants under
the disability programme and 147 applicants for training placements were
selected.
Translation traineeships are managed by the Directorate-General for Translation.
In 2012 there were 6 269 applications received and 177 translation trainees were
selected.
95) Q: Which countries do the trainees come from?
Most trainees come from EU Member States. Third-country nationals from nonapplicant countries may do traineeships at the European Parliament, although
the number who do so may not exceed 10% of the total number of traineeships.
96) Q: Where are trainees usually based?
A: Most trainees are based in Brussels. However, approximately 10% of trainees
work in Luxembourg, and a few may occasionally be assigned to administrative
units in Strasbourg. Traineeships are also offered at the Information Offices in
the Member States.
97) Q: Is it easier to get a traineeship in some places than in
others?
A: The likelihood of securing a traineeship is roughly the same in every place of
work. The directorates which receive the largest number of applications accept
the largest number of applicants, and those where demand is less accept fewer
trainees.
98) Q:
Are there more university graduate
opportunities or more training placements?
traineeship
A: There are more traineeships for university graduates.
Study visits
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FAQ
99) Q: What is the purpose of study visits?
A: They are designed to provide citizens aged 18 or over with opportunities for
more detailed study of specific subjects relating to European integration.
There is also an opportunity to carry out research at the Library or Historical
Archive of the European Parliament (in both cases only in Luxembourg).
100) Q: What is the procedure for study visits?
A: The maximum duration of a study visit is one month. Anyone who has
already completed a European Parliament traineeship must wait six months
before applying for a study visit.
There are three options:

If you are interested in a study visit at the European Parliament’s Library,
send an e-mail to: StudyVisit@ep.europa.eu, putting LibraryLuxembourg@ep.europa.eu in copy;

If you are interested in a study visit to the European Parliament’s Archive,
send an e-mail to: StudyVisit@ep.europa.eu, putting ArchInfo@ep.europa.eu in copy;

For any other study visit, send a request by e-mail to
StudyVisit@ep.europa.eu at least two months prior to the date of the visit.
It will be ascertained whether the relevant European Parliament departments or
bodies are able to accommodate the applicants, who will be informed whether
their application has been successful.
In accordance with the rules in force, the European Parliament will not meet
costs of any nature incurred by visitors.
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