European Union Youth Opportunities

Erasmus + Youth Exchange

Erasmus+ offers young people the opportunity to connect across borders through exchanges, training, and collaborative projects. Participants develop intercultural and teamwork skills, broaden their horizons, and grow in a supportive international environment.

The 2021–2027 programme focuses on social inclusion, digital and green transitions, and encouraging youth participation in democratic life, while also supporting education, training, and sport across Europe.

Click here for more information about Erasmus + Youth Exchange. 

European Solidarity Corps

The European Solidarity Corps offers young people (ages 18–30) the opportunity to volunteer or work on projects that make a positive impact across Europe. From environmental protection and social inclusion to community development and emergency response, participants gain valuable experience while contributing to meaningful change.

Click here for more inforamtion about the European Solidarity Corps. 

DiscoverEU

DiscoverEU offers 18-year-olds and above the chance to explore Europe through an EU-funded travel pass. The programme invites young people to discover the rich diversity of European cultures, history, and landscapes — while gaining independence, confidence, and new perspectives along the way.

Participants can travel for up to 30 days, individually or in small groups, and visit multiple countries within the EU. Alongside travel, DiscoverEU provides access to cultural events, workshops, and local activities that help young people connect and share experiences with others from across Europe.

Click here for more information about DiscoverEU. 

Blue Book Traineeship (European Commission)

Twice a year, the European Commission offers paid five-month traineeships in Brussels or Luxembourg. These placements provide university graduates from across the European Union, including citizens of EU territories such as Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the daily work of EU institutions.

Trainees contribute to policy development, attend meetings, and collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds, gaining valuable insight into how the EU operates. The programme serves as an excellent stepping stone for those interested in international relations, public policy, or European governance.

Click here for more information about the Blue Book Traineeship. 

Schuman Traineeships (European Parliament)

These five-month paid traineeships offer young professionals the opportunity to work at the heart of European democracy — the European Parliament — in Brussels, Strasbourg, or Luxembourg. Trainees can specialize in a variety of fields, including communications, law, translation, international relations, administration, and more.

Open to graduates from across the European Union, including those from EU territories such as Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, this programme provides a unique chance to gain first-hand experience in European policymaking and institutional work.

Click here for more information about the Schuman Traineeship. 

Council of the EU Traineeship

University graduates can apply for a five-month paid traineeship at the Council of the European Union, based in Brussels. The programme offers valuable insight into how EU institutions operate and how decisions are made at the highest political level.

Trainees work alongside experienced professionals in areas such as policy development, communication, translation, and administration. Open to graduates from all EU member states and territories, including Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, this traineeship provides an exceptional opportunity to experience European governance from the inside.

Click here for more information about traineeships at the Council of the EU. 

EEAS Traineeships in EU Delegations

The European External Action Service (EEAS) offers traineeships at EU Delegations around the world, including in the Caribbean. These placements provide hands-on experience in diplomacy, development cooperation, communication, and international relations.

Trainees work alongside EU diplomats and staff, gaining first-hand insight into how the European Union represents its interests and values abroad. This is a unique opportunity for young professionals to deepen their understanding of global affairs and the EU’s external policies.

Click here for more information about traineeships in delegations of the EU. 

EU Academy

The EU Academy is an online learning platform offering free courses on European Union policies, languages, digital skills, sustainability, and much more. Open to everyone, it provides an accessible way to deepen knowledge of the EU and its work.

Learners can explore interactive modules, attend virtual trainings, and follow self-paced courses designed by EU institutions and experts. It’s an excellent opportunity for students, professionals, and anyone interested in Europe’s role in the world to learn and grow.

Click here for more infomration about the EU Academy. 

European Youth Parliament (EYP)

The European Youth Parliament (EYP) is a dynamic network that empowers young people to engage in discussions on key European issues through simulations of the European Parliament. Participants take on the roles of parliamentarians, debating, negotiating, and presenting solutions to real-world challenges.

The programme encourages active citizenship, intercultural understanding, and the development of leadership, teamwork, and public speaking skills. It’s an inspiring way for youth to experience European democracy in action and make their voices heard.

Click here for more information abou the European Youth Parliament.

EU Youth Dialogue

The EU Youth Dialogue is a dynamic platform that connects young people with policymakers, researchers, and civil society to discuss and shape EU youth policies. Structured in 18-month cycles, each focusing on a specific theme, this initiative fosters meaningful participation and ensures that youth perspectives are integral to the EU's decision-making process. By engaging in national consultations and EU Youth Conferences, young individuals contribute to the development of the EU Youth Strategy, influencing policies that impact their lives and futures. This collaborative approach not only amplifies youth voices but also strengthens democratic processes across Europe.

Click here for more information abou the EU Youth Dialogue.

European Youth Event (EYE)

The European Youth Event (EYE) brings together young people from all over Europe to discuss the future of the EU, exchange ideas, and actively participate in shaping policies. Participants can take part in interactive workshops, debates, creative activities, and pitch sessions, giving them a chance to present their ideas directly to Members of the European Parliament and other decision-makers.

EYE is more than an event, it’s a platform for youth empowerment, collaboration, and networking, allowing young Europeans to connect with peers, share experiences, and influence the decisions that affect their communities and the wider EU. By joining EYE, participants gain a unique insight into European politics, develop their skills, and become part of a vibrant community of active young citizens.

Click here for more information about the European Youth Event.