The European External Action Service (EEAS) has announced its annual update to the traineeship grant scheme for 2025, a decision aimed at enhancing the financial support provided to young professionals undertaking internships across European Union (EU) Delegations worldwide. Published under Decision ADMIN(2024) 43, this update reflects the institution’s continued commitment to fostering global talent, strengthening diplomatic engagement, and ensuring equitable access to international training opportunities.
Each year, the EEAS offers paid traineeships in EU Delegations, enabling participants to gain firsthand experience in diplomacy, international relations, and development cooperation. These positions, located in countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe, provide valuable exposure to the inner workings of EU external action and foreign policy implementation. To support living expenses during these placements, the EEAS allocates monthly grants that are tailored to the economic conditions of each host country.
The 2025 revision is particularly significant as it adjusts the grant amounts in line with the salary indexation of local agents as of October 31, 2024. This ensures that the financial aid remains fair and adequate in light of inflation and cost-of-living changes. According to the decision, the stipend amount is set at 25% of the basic monthly salary of a local agent in Function Group I in the respective country, subject to a ceiling based on EU official remuneration standards.
For instance, in Kenya, the monthly grant has been increased to 800 EUR, equivalent to approximately 112,000 Kenyan Shillings, recognizing the rising costs and economic realities faced by interns in Nairobi and other Kenyan cities. Similar adjustments have been made across several countries, with notable increases in regions such as South Africa, Mali, and Thailand, while some nations like Ghana and Barbados saw a reduction in their respective grants.
This update, effective from January 1, 2025, underscores the EEAS’s proactive role in maintaining equitable support for its traineeship program. By linking grants to local economic conditions and ensuring transparency through annual updates, the EEAS reaffirms its role not only as a diplomatic actor but also as a promoter of inclusive professional development across the globe. The decision marks another step forward in equipping future global leaders with the resources and experience needed to shape international relations and policy.
