The European Peoples Party (EPP) is the largest political group in the European Parliament and consists of members from 27 countries in the European Union. The role of the Parliament is to co-legislate with the Council of the EU, and its members are directly elected by the citizens of the countries they represent. This is why the Parliament is called the “heart of European Democracy”. The EPP is seeking interns to come to Brussels and participate in the EU-U.S. Strategic Dialogue Internship Program. The program is designed to build a deeper sense of mutual understanding between the United States and the European Union (EU) and to instill an appreciation for the value of transatlantic dialogue and collaboration in this important geostrategic dimension of policymaking. Interns will collaborate and follow a various topics throughout the program, such as energy and climate to civil liberties, digital agenda, financial markets, cybersecurity, foreign relations, security and defense, or human rights and the fight against terrorism.
There are two sessions: Summer 2021 (May-July) and Fall 2021 (September -December). Both applications are open.
The deadline to apply to the summer session is February 5, 2021.
The deadline to apply to the fall session is May 31, 2021.
Program Details
Interns will:
- Attend and report on committee meetings, plenary sessions, delegation meetings, and EPP group meetings to observe key policies that the Parliament deals with on a daily basis
- Conduct research and deliver brief papers on strategic subjects
Gain familiarity with how European legislation is shaped in the context of European Institutions (especially the European Parliament), the EPP Party and EPP Group - Acquire invaluable insight into the daily life of a political adviser, the mechanisms of a political group, and the meanders of some of the most important institutions in the world
- Receive a detailed report about your performance during the internship
Logistical Information
- The internship may last 2 to 3 months at the European Parliament in Brussels with the EPP Group. It is offered throughout the whole academic year (start of parliamentary summer recess)
- Up to five U.S. interns are accepted each year
- All Interns will travel 1 to 2 times for 3 and half days per month on a mission to Strasbourg where the European Parliament plenary sessions take place
- Expenses for the mission are provided by the EPP Group
- The internships for U.S. applicants are not paid
- The EPP Group will not take travel and accommodation costs in charge
- All Interns are insured against the risk of accidents at the workplace in Brussels and Strasbourg
Qualifications
- Master’s students at any stage of their degree
- U.S. citizens eager to learn about EU’s nature and founding values
- U.S. citizens studying at U.S. universities, especially those invested in European studies, will be highly considered
- European citizens with an American background (i.e. have studied in the U.S.)
Application Process
Applicants will need to submit:
- A CV or Resume
- The EPP ask that you indicate your nationality or nationalities if dual
- A Motivation Letter
- A Recommendation Letter, to be sent directly by the proponent and not via the student
The EPP asks that any of those selected accept or decline the offer given to them within one week of receiving the offer. The EPP is aware that the applicants are facing uncertainty during this time and can be flexible, especially in regard to academic calendars and programs.
The application and letter of recommendation should be sent to Mrs Catarina Caldeira da Silva, Special Advisor for Strategic EU-U.S. dialogue, EPP Group, European Parliament catarina.caldeira@europarl.europa.eu
