The Commission updates its flagship Blue Book internship program, opening it up to VET graduates
The European Commission has updated the rules of its traineeship program, establishing a modernized, single framework that makes the program more inclusive and better aligned with European skills and employment objectives. For the first time, graduates of vocational education and training (VET) programs can apply to the Commission's traineeship program—known as the Blue Book traineeship—thus expanding access to high-quality traineeships and recognizing the value of diverse learning pathways across Europe.
The updated framework also improves financial conditions for trainees by streamlining the structure of grants and subsidies, thereby reducing practical and financial barriers to participation. These changes aim to make the traineeship program more inclusive for candidates from different educational backgrounds across the Union.
The updated rules regarding internship periods will apply to the session beginning in March 2027.
Applications for that session will be open from July 22 to September 4, 2026.