Submitted by: Friends and citizens of the Western Balkans and the Eastern Trio

 

Preamble

 

As the European Union’s enlargement process regains strategic and geopolitical momentum, the integration of the Western Balkans and other candidate countries is no longer a distant aspiration, but an unfolding reality. The renewed political thrust behind enlargement reflects a shared understanding that the stability, prosperity, and security of our continent depend on completing the unification of Europe. Yet, the successful accession of these countries requires more than institutional alignment. It demands people who are prepared to understand, navigate, and contribute to the complex administrative, legal, economic and institutional machinery of the European Union.

 

For citizens of the candidate and potential candidate countries and the administrations and societies they represent, this is a critical moment. As their countries advance on the accession path, they will soon be called to participate fully in EU policymaking, implementation, and representation. Building the necessary administrative, analytical, and diplomatic capacities is therefore essential ‘now’, during the rapidly progressing pre-accession phase. Likewise, it is in the EU’s strategic interest to ensure that future officials and professionals from new Member States are already acquainted with EU governance, institutional culture, and policymaking processes before accession takes place. Investing in human capital now means ensuring smoother adaptation, stronger performance, and deeper European integration tomorrow.

 

Rationale

 

Traineeships within EU institutions, bodies and agencies are a proven instrument for developing such capacities. They allow young professionals to experience the Union’s functioning from within and to acquire the practical skills and mindset needed for effective participation in the European project. However, citizens from enlargement countries remain largely excluded from these opportunities. Their access to the flagship Blue Book and Schuman traineeships is extremely limited, as they compete within a broad global pool of non-EU applicants for only a few available positions. Moreover, in other EU bodies where their countries are already involved, such as the European Economic and Social Committee, or the Committee of the Regions, applicants are not treated equally, due to lack of funding schemes or additional visa bureaucracy. 

 

This exclusion creates a critical gap. It prevents the very citizens who will soon be part of the EU’s political, administrative, and civic life from acquiring first-hand experience of its inner workings. It also weakens the transformative potential of the enlargement process itself, slowing down the transfer of knowledge and values essential for successful membership.

 

Therefore, it is timely and necessary for EU institutions, Member States, and governments of the candidate countries to act together. Establishing special traineeship quotas for citizens of enlargement countries within EU institutions, and creating dedicated funding schemes to support such placements, would serve the mutual interests of all parties. It would strengthen the EU’s administrative preparedness for enlargement, empower a new generation of future European professionals, and anchor the European perspective more deeply within the societies of candidate countries.

 

Our Proposals

 

We, the undersigned, convinced that expanding access to EU traineeship opportunities will strengthen both the Union and its future members, respectfully submit the following proposals to Commissioner Ms. Marta KOS and Director-General of DG ENEST, Mr. Gert Jan KOOPMAN:

 

1. Introduction of Dedicated Quotas

Dedicated quotas for applicants from candidate and potential candidate countries should be established within existing EU-funded traineeship programmes. These quotas should complement, rather than replace, the current non-EU quotas, and apply to schemes such as the Blue Book Traineeship or the Schuman Traineeship.

 

2. Broadening Access within EU Agencies

We welcome the initiatives of several EU agencies, including the European Labour Authority, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, and the European Food Safety Authority, which already offer traineeship opportunities to candidates from candidate and potential candidate countries. We encourage other EU agencies bodies to adopt similar inclusive practices.

 

3. Ensuring Equal Access to Institutional Traineeships

EU institutions that currently limit their traineeship programmes to EU citizens should extend eligibility to applicants from countries formally engaged in the EU accession process, acknowledging their path towards EU membership. Furthermore, institutions should provide visa facilitation and administrative support where necessary, to ensure equitable access.

 

4. Establishing Financial Support Mechanisms

Appropriate financial instruments or donor-based funding schemes should be created to promote aspiring trainees from candidate and potential candidate countries, particularly to support “stagiaires atypiques”. Such mechanisms would guarantee that financial constraints do not hinder participation in EU institutional programmes.

 

 

Conclusion

 

We submit this petition in the spirit of constructive dialogue and partnership, confident that these measures would represent a tangible step toward deepening the relationship between the European Union and its aspiring members.

 

We remain at your disposal to engage with your office, as well as with other relevant institutions and stakeholders, to further discuss and develop these proposals.