About us
Founded in Brussels in 1983, CEPS (Centre for European Policy Studies) is a leading think tank and forum for debate on EU affairs, which has been consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 best think tanks.
One of CEPS’ distinguishing features is its strong in-house research capacity and an extensive international network of partner institutes. CEPS’ funding comes from a variety of sources, mainly research grants and service contracts, but also from membership and conference fees.
The CEPS Energy, Resources and Climate Change (ERCC) unit consists of a research team specialised in today’s energy, circular economy, climate change, and geopolitical challenges. It provides a forum that stimulates discussions among both EU and non-EU stakeholders and decision-makers.
The main activities of the unit consist of policy research and events, which it often carries out in cooperation with universities, research institutes and consultancies.
Main tasks
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You will become a member of CEPS’ staff and work in the ERCC unit.
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You will participate in international teams that carry out research projects.
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You will monitor the regulatory framework for the low-carbon transition, circular economy, energy and climate change in the EU and selected Member States.
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You will do desk research on relevant topics.
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You will assist in data collection.
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You will summarise findings from interviews and meetings in written form.
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You will assist in identifying and acquiring new research projects.
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Other related tasks as required.
Your background and qualifications
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You are enrolled as a student for the full duration of the internship, and about to complete a Master in economics, international relations, political/social sciences, or equivalent. For recent graduates, the option of the CIP scheme can be considered. A particular focus on sustainability, climate change, renewable energy, ecological/environmental economics, energy or equivalent would count as a plus.
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Knowledge and/or research experience in circular economy, alternative economic paradigms and industrial policy is a plus.
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You have a demonstrable interest in raw materials, circular economy, and/or climate change related issues and policy.
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You have conducted research assignments on one (or more) of these topics.
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You have experience with data gathering and a good command of Excel. Knowledge of statistical and econometrics programmes (R and/or Stata) is a plus.
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You have an excellent knowledge of English, both orally and in writing.
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Experience in providing presentations and organising events will be considered as a plus.
Your Profile
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You are able to work in a research team comprising junior and senior colleagues and work under the supervision of a CEPS researcher.
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You enjoy teamwork and are open to giving and receiving feedback.
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You are flexible, organised and respect deadlines.
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You have an absolute respect for diversity and an inclusion-oriented mindset.
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You are enthusiastic to contribute towards the success of the whole of CEPS as an organisation.
What CEPS can offer
We offer a full-time internship for the period of six months, starting from the beginning of February 2026. The selected candidate will be eligible to receive expense reimbursement up to 750 EUR/month upon receipt of justifying documents during the internship. If the selected candidate is a recent graduate on the CIP scheme, they will receive legal CIP reimbursement. The internship is based in Brussels and will take place in-person, but some teleworking might be possible for a limited period.
More information
Further questions/enquiries regarding the position can be e-mailed to Alba Morón Cabrera, Project Officer at the Energy, Resources and Climate Change unit, [email protected]
Application and deadline
Please send your application to [email protected] with “Intern ERCC 2026” in the subject line by 30 December 2025.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Interviews will be held online during the week of 11 January 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applications should include the following documents, all in English, compiled into a single PDF document:
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a one-page letter of motivation (please confirm in your letter that you are available to start the full-time internship at the beginning of February 2026 and to relocate to Brussels for the majority of its duration.)
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your CV
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two written examples of work in the fields relevant to this post (e.g. a project report, a university assignment etc.). If the written example has more than one author, please specify in the letter of motivation which parts you have written.
CEPS strongly values and actively pursues diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications especially from female, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with diverse ethnic/national origins that are underrepresented at CEPS.
