Internship EU Institutions Programme
About ECF
The European Climate Foundation (ECF) is a major philanthropic initiative working to help tackle the climate crisis by fostering the transition to a net-zero emission society at the national, European and global level. We support around 700 partner organisations to carry out activities that drive urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement, contribute to the public debate on climate action and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a net-zero economy and sustainable society in Europe and around the world.
The ECF brings together diverse perspectives and backgrounds to find the best innovative solutions to tackle climate change. We are focusing on engaging and hiring great people from a wide diversity of backgrounds to strengthen the cause. If you share our values of respect, innovation, and collaboration, join us.
About This Role
The EU Institutional Relations Programme (the "EU team") plays a central role in navigating European and national political dynamics and building political momentum for accelerated climate action at EU level. The team works with a wide range of partners in civil society, think tanks, business groups and the research community in support of these goals in Brussels and European capitals. We are also looking at under-represented voices and angles and how they can shape EU politics beyond traditional climate allies.
The years 2026 and 2027 will be politically decisive for the European Union. The second von der Leyen Commission will approach its midterm assessment, dynamics will shift as several important Member States begin preparing for national elections, and the EU will continue to face heightened political and economic pressures linked to energy security and geopolitics.
Against this backdrop, the EU team is supporting ECF and its partners to anticipate and prepare for key political moments by identifying emerging trends, tracking priority policy files, and helping to initiate early strategic action. As an intern, you will be closely involved in this work, gaining handson exposure to EU climate and energy politics while contributing meaningfully to the team's daytoday activities.
Key Responsibilities
Your main missions will include the following:
Monitor news[SR1] and run an autonomous project to keep the EU team and other ECF teams up to date on the latest political developments and trends around key topics and policy files linked to clean industry, energy, climate and (public) finance.
Support the development and maintenance of stakeholder mappings across the EU for priority policy files.
Assist with preparation before, and follow-up after, key political moments (e.g. European Council meetings, events linked to the Presidency of the Council of the EU), including drafting briefings and readouts.
Draft short summaries and analytical inputs from internal and external meetings and events and suggest next steps where relevant.
Attend selected conferences, roundtables, or partner events to network and share concise insights with the team.
Support the organisation of internal and external meetings or events run by the EU team.
Support the coordination of internal processes (e.g. organizing Monday.com boards, chairing team meetings, etc.).
Experience and competences
A genuine interest in the mission and values of the organization.
A university degree in a field of relevance to climate policy and politics (political science, economy, international relations, environment...).
Good knowledge of the main discussions around climate & energy, EU policy-making processes.
Proven ability to work well under pressure, be autonomous and be a creative problem solver.
Enthusiastic personality, with a positive, can-do attitude.
Strong administrative and computer skills (PowerPoint, Excel).
Fluent in English, command of other European languages (both spoken and written) is an asset.
What we offer
A six-months full-time internship with a CIP agreement.
A flexible and international work environment that combines project and grant management work with strategic oversight.
A deep dive into European politics and an opportunity to develop your political analysis skills in one or several topics like industry, finance, energy.
A dedicated and approachable team who will support you throughout the work but also give you space and freedom to lead on your own projects.
An excellent work atmosphere and a nice office space.
Location
Brussels office, with possibility for some home office (4 team members are in the Brussels office and 1 in Vienna).
Valid working permit is a MUST
Start date
As soon as possible - preferred start date is June or July 2026 (duration of 6 months with a possibility for 12 months).
How to apply
Deadline for application is May 19th EOB.
Please combine your motivation letter and CV in English in one document before uploading it.
The selection process includes a screening call with the recruiter and two interviews with the hiring team.
If you need any specific accommodation due to disability or any other reason, you can let the recruiter know during your application process.
[SR1]monitor political dynamics and trends around key EU policy files (ETS1, Clean Industrial deal, etc.)
The European Climate Foundation (ECF) is a major philanthropic initiative working to help tackle the climate crisis by fostering the transition to a net-zero emission society at the national, European and global level. We support around 700 partner organisations to carry out activities that drive urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement, contribute to the public debate on climate action and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a net-zero economy and sustainable society in Europe and around the world.
The ECF brings together diverse perspectives and backgrounds to find the best innovative solutions to tackle climate change. We are focusing on engaging and hiring great people from a wide diversity of backgrounds to strengthen the cause. If you share our values of respect, innovation, and collaboration, join us.
About This Role
The EU Institutional Relations Programme (the "EU team") plays a central role in navigating European and national political dynamics and building political momentum for accelerated climate action at EU level. The team works with a wide range of partners in civil society, think tanks, business groups and the research community in support of these goals in Brussels and European capitals. We are also looking at under-represented voices and angles and how they can shape EU politics beyond traditional climate allies.
The years 2026 and 2027 will be politically decisive for the European Union. The second von der Leyen Commission will approach its midterm assessment, dynamics will shift as several important Member States begin preparing for national elections, and the EU will continue to face heightened political and economic pressures linked to energy security and geopolitics.
Against this backdrop, the EU team is supporting ECF and its partners to anticipate and prepare for key political moments by identifying emerging trends, tracking priority policy files, and helping to initiate early strategic action. As an intern, you will be closely involved in this work, gaining handson exposure to EU climate and energy politics while contributing meaningfully to the team's daytoday activities.
Key Responsibilities
Your main missions will include the following:
Monitor news[SR1] and run an autonomous project to keep the EU team and other ECF teams up to date on the latest political developments and trends around key topics and policy files linked to clean industry, energy, climate and (public) finance.
Support the development and maintenance of stakeholder mappings across the EU for priority policy files.
Assist with preparation before, and follow-up after, key political moments (e.g. European Council meetings, events linked to the Presidency of the Council of the EU), including drafting briefings and readouts.
Draft short summaries and analytical inputs from internal and external meetings and events and suggest next steps where relevant.
Attend selected conferences, roundtables, or partner events to network and share concise insights with the team.
Support the organisation of internal and external meetings or events run by the EU team.
Support the coordination of internal processes (e.g. organizing Monday.com boards, chairing team meetings, etc.).
Experience and competences
A genuine interest in the mission and values of the organization.
A university degree in a field of relevance to climate policy and politics (political science, economy, international relations, environment...).
Good knowledge of the main discussions around climate & energy, EU policy-making processes.
Proven ability to work well under pressure, be autonomous and be a creative problem solver.
Enthusiastic personality, with a positive, can-do attitude.
Strong administrative and computer skills (PowerPoint, Excel).
Fluent in English, command of other European languages (both spoken and written) is an asset.
What we offer
A six-months full-time internship with a CIP agreement.
A flexible and international work environment that combines project and grant management work with strategic oversight.
A deep dive into European politics and an opportunity to develop your political analysis skills in one or several topics like industry, finance, energy.
A dedicated and approachable team who will support you throughout the work but also give you space and freedom to lead on your own projects.
An excellent work atmosphere and a nice office space.
Location
Brussels office, with possibility for some home office (4 team members are in the Brussels office and 1 in Vienna).
Valid working permit is a MUST
Start date
As soon as possible - preferred start date is June or July 2026 (duration of 6 months with a possibility for 12 months).
How to apply
Deadline for application is May 19th EOB.
Please combine your motivation letter and CV in English in one document before uploading it.
The selection process includes a screening call with the recruiter and two interviews with the hiring team.
- All applications will be treated confidentially. We will store your information in our internal database unless you specifically request otherwise.
If you need any specific accommodation due to disability or any other reason, you can let the recruiter know during your application process.
[SR1]monitor political dynamics and trends around key EU policy files (ETS1, Clean Industrial deal, etc.)