Policy Trainee EU reform (AFCO/SEDE committee) for the Volt Europa delegation in the European Parliament

Volt Europa is looking for a trainee to support our MEP Reinier van Lanschot in his work on the European Parliament’s committees on Constitutional Affairs and Security & Defence (AFCO/SEDE). In particular, you will assist his work on accelerating the demand for fundamental reform/treaty change in the fields of EU reform and defence, instead of quick fixes.

The successful candidate will be responsible for a variety of tasks in the areas of drafting, research and stakeholder engagement, as well as attending and organising policy relevant events. A big focus of your work will be on developing practical and unconventional strategies to bring fundamental reform/treaty change back to the top of the EU agenda for every topic in the EP. In other words, you'll help us bring about the United States of Europe! This is an opportunity to gain first-hand experience learning about the role of an MEP and the workings of the EU institutions in a fast-paced, fun and multicultural environment.

Our main goal is for your work to have meaningful impact while contributing to your own career path. In this way, we want to make sure you feel value, agency, and autonomy in your work while being part of a team that supports and guides you.

We want to encourage you to apply, even if you are wondering if you fit the profile. We value equity of opportunity and do not expect a trainee to arrive with 10 years of working experience.

Your personal motivation, creativity, and ability to quickly connect the dots is the most important.

Responsibilities:

  • Research and produce briefing notes, reports, articles, speeches, speaking points and explanations of votes for use by Reinier and/or the wider Volt EP delegation;

  • Attend and prepare meeting notes on Parliamentary and Joint Committee meetings;

  • Engage with stakeholders to ensure diverse perspectives are taken into account in our policy work;

  • Support communication colleagues with information on policy issues;

  • Help organise events and related outreach activities on relevant topics.

  • In particular;

    • Update our SEDE and AFCO vision papers, and organise action plans to increase their impact and the visibility of Reinier and our EU reform proposals

    • Support in organising events and working visits to match the above with the practical reality on the ground and find more advocates in broader society

    • Influence the scope and ambitions of the Pre-enlargement reforms and Future European Defence Union, including through upcoming EP reports/legislation

    • Assist in the cross-delegation “United States of Europe” campaign

We ask for:

  • Good interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, demonstrating accuracy and attention to detail;

  • A proactive approach, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment;

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously;

  • English language competence at CEFR level C1 or above. The Volt Europa delegation’s working language is English;

  • Knowledge of and passion for European politics, policy issues, and current events, and a commitment to progressive values and principles.

  • Strategic & visionary thinking focussed on long-term, outside the box and structural solutions.

We would be happy about:

  • An educational background, professional experience, interest in, and/or a passion for the field of EU reform, preferably from an interdisciplinary perspective combining a strong grasp of EU (constitutional) law and EU security and defence governance;

  • An understanding of the diverse constitutional systems and political contexts of the EU 27 Member States and their practical challenges to fundamental EU reform;

We offer:

  • First-hand experience in the office of a Volt Europa MEP;

  • The opportunity to develop your expertise on EU constitutional and reform related topics within and outside the EU legislative process;

  • A purpose-driven work environment, underpinned by our shared commitment to the European project;

  • A fun, young and international team;

  • Monthly gross salary of €1'675 (highest possible trainee allowance from the European Parliament);

  • The traineeship is envisioned to run for 6 months.

How to apply?

We are excited to read your application! If you are interested, please follow this link and complete the application form by 03.12.2025 23:59.

Interviews and the final decision will be made no later than the 19th of December, with a start date foreseen for mid-February to March.

Unsuccessful candidates will be duly notified.

If you have any questions, please contact Teun Janssen, the trainee supervisor for AFCO/SEDE: [email protected]