European Space Agency is looking for an Intern in the EU Relations Office in Brussels

Closing Date: 30 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method: External Only

Directorate: Strategy, Legal and External Matters

Workplace: Bruxelles, BE

Location: EBO, Brussels, Belgium

Our team and mission

The ESA Brussels office act as the main channel of communication between the Agency and the EU Institutions. Under the authority of the Head of the ESA Brussels office, you will support the activities of the office, related to the actions towards EU Institutions (Council, Parliament, Commission, EDA, EEAS etc.), attending events and conferences, producing reports, contributing to the Office newsletter of the office and carrying out other tasks according to the needs of the Office.

You will be asked to support the SLE-UB activities both internally, with the programme directorates, and externally, with EU Institutions.

You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a dynamic environment with a large number of contacts within the Brussels “space bubble”, learning how the EU legislative process really works.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

During this internship, you will support the EBO Team with the following tasks:

• assist in monitoring of discussions, policy initiatives and legislative developments within European institutions;
• support the preparation of briefings, reports, presentations and background material related to institutional relations and cooperation with European institutions;
• contribute to the follow-up of legal and regulatory files, assessing their potential impact on space activities and programmes;
• participate in meetings, conferences and events, preparing summaries and identifying relevant outcomes and follow-up actions;
• collaborate with experts from different disciplines and gain insight into how policy, legal, institutional and programme-related activities support the development of the European space sector.

Through this internship, you will develop a practical understanding of European institutional processes, space policy and governance frameworks, regulatory developments affecting the space sector and the implementation of major European space programmes. You will also strengthen your analytical, research, communication and stakeholder engagement skills in an international environment.

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

Knowledge and background in EU institutions and/or space policy is an asset.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at ESA.Student.Internships@esa.int.

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

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