About CropLife Europe:

CropLife Europe (CLE) is the European trade association representing the crop protection industry, bringing together 25 companies and 32 national associations.

Our members are active in four key areas: conventional pesticides, biopesticides, plant biotechnology, and digital and precision agriculture. CLE engages with EU institutions and stakeholders on policies affecting European agriculture, contributing industry expertise to debates on agricultural innovation, sustainability, food security and competitiveness.

The opportunity:

CropLife Europe is looking for a motivated and curious intern to join its Public Affairs and Communications team in Brussels.

The internship offers practical experience of EU policymaking, political monitoring, stakeholder engagement and external communications. The successful candidate will work primarily with the Public Affairs team, while also supporting communications activities and helping ensure that policy developments and advocacy priorities are reflected in CLE’s external communications.

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, the intern will gain an understanding of how a European trade association develops and implements its public affairs and communications strategies.

Key responsibilities:

Public Affairs

Monitor and analyse EU political and legislative developments, identifying their potential implications for European agriculture and the crop protection sector.
Prepare concise political briefings, meeting reports, background notes and summaries of relevant policy developments.
Maintain an up-to-date calendar of relevant EU institutional, political and stakeholder events, identifying opportunities for engagement and participation.
Monitor key policy events, hearings and conferences, providing timely updates and summaries of relevant discussions and outcomes.
Support the preparation and coordination of the monthly Public Affairs team meeting, including gathering inputs, preparing agendas and materials, and following up on agreed actions.
Support the development and implementation of public affairs strategies and advocacy activities, including stakeholder mapping, engagement planning and meeting preparation.
Contribute to the coordination of CLE’s public affairs activities, including supporting internal working groups and meetings with member companies.
Support the preparation of briefing materials, presentations and other documents for engagement with EU institutions and stakeholders.

Communications

Work to translate policy developments and public affairs priorities into clear and accessible external communications.
Support the preparation of digital content, including website articles, social media posts and other communications materials.
Assist with media and social media monitoring to identify relevant developments and emerging issues.
Support coordination between public affairs and communications activities by drafting weekly overview of latest and upcoming developments.
Contribute to the organisation and delivery of CLE events and communications initiatives.

Who we’re looking for:

We are looking for someone with a genuine interest in European politics and policymaking who is keen to learn and contribute to a dynamic team.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

Political curiosity: A strong interest in EU affairs, political developments and the European legislative process.
Analytical thinking: The ability to understand complex information, identify key issues and translate them into clear, concise and relevant messages.
Strong communication skills: Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to adapt information for different audiences.
Initiative and sound judgement: A proactive approach to work with the ability to take ownership of tasks and an understanding of when to seek guidance.
Organisation and reliability: Strong attention to detail, the ability to manage competing priorities and a commitment to delivering high-quality work on time.
Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and an interest in working with colleagues and stakeholders from different backgrounds.

Qualifications and experience:

Currently studying towards, or recently graduated with, a degree in European studies, political science, international relations, communications, law, economics or a related field.
A good understanding of the EU institutions and their decision-making processes.
An interest in agriculture, sustainability, food security, innovation or related policy areas would be an advantage.
Familiarity with digital research, monitoring and communications tools, including the responsible use of AI-assisted tools, would be an asset.
Previous internship or relevant professional experience is welcome but not essential.

What we offer:

A six-month paid internship based in our Brussels office.
Practical experience in EU public affairs and communications, with opportunities to contribute to ongoing policy and advocacy activities.
Exposure to the EU policymaking environment, including institutional developments, stakeholder engagement and Brussels-based policy events.
Opportunities to develop political analysis, policy writing, communications and project coordination skills.
Guidance and regular feedback from experienced colleagues in an international and collaborative working environment.

How to apply:

Candidates must have the necessary authorisation to live and work in Belgium for the duration of the internship.

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter explaining your interest in the position and what you would bring to the team to [email protected].

Application deadline: 17th November 2026

Email subject: Public Affairs & Communications Internship – 2026-2027

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.