Positive action programme for trainees with a disability
About the programme
The Council contributes its part to promote equal opportunities. This is why we provide every year up to six traineeships for EU nationals with a recognised disability.
The positive action programme offers trainees a unique insight into EU policy and law-making, while providing them with the support and assistance they might need.
Traineeships are offered twice a year, with each traineeship lasting five months:
- 1 February to 30 June (first period)
- 1 September to 31 January (second period)
Applications are open for a limited period before the start of the traineeship.
Trainees in the positive action programme receive a monthly grant of €1 538.16 net and can receive up to 50% disability allowance on top. Trainees are also entitled to annual leave and certain allowances, as well as access to health/ accident insurance.
Between 2020 and 2024, 25 trainees with physical, mental, intellectual and sensory impairments worked in different teams at the Council.
Blindness has never affected my decisions, and I have always sought to transform my limits into opportunities, and everybody at the Council understood and even supported that.Anna Rita, participant in the positive action programme
The initiative was awarded the European Ombudsman Award for excellence in public administration in the category 'Excellence in diversity and inclusion'.
How you can apply
The application procedure for the positive action programme is the same as for the main traineeship programme. Candidates with a disability are welcome to apply simultaneously for other types of traineeships if they fulfil the eligibility criteria.
More information on the application procedure is available on the following pages:
After you fill in the application and before the closing date of the online application period, you need to send documents proving your disability to:
The proof can be:
- an official document issued by a national or regional authority or an accredited body in an EU member state
- an EU disability card
- a certificate issued by a medical doctor
If you have a doctor's certificate, it must:
- be from an EU member state and be no older than six months
- state clearly the condition which the medical doctor considers a disability and
- include confirmation from the signing doctor that, to the best of their understanding, the condition is a long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others
What personalised support we offer
As soon as you are selected, we get in touch with you to discuss any specific needs you have and ensure that you have all the necessary software, hardware, or ergonomic equipment from the start of your traineeship.
Examples of reasonable workplace adjustments available in the Council are:
- a personal assistant to navigate the building
- text-to-speech and speech-to-text software
- braille display
- ergonomic support
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. To provide the appropriate accommodation, a case-by-case examination is therefore needed. This helps us prepare your arrival and welcome.
For more information you can contact the traineeships office:
See also
Traineeships at the Council
Traineeships: frequently asked questions
Traineeships for students of national administration schools
Last review: 5 May 2026