Blue Book trainees do a 5-month paid traineeship. Here is the eligibility criteria : have completed a standard 3-year higher education degree … have no prior work experience of any kind, in excess of 6 weeks in any EU institution, body or agency, delegation, with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), or Advocates General at the Court of Justice of the European Union (EUCJ)   have a very good knowledge of languages.’

Many go on to participate in the ‘pilot’ Junior Professional Programme (JPP).

‘Blue Book trainees represent 91% of the JPP eligible applicants and 79% of selected junior professionals (JPs). Contract Agents (CAs) function group IV represent 8% of the eligible candidates and 21% of selected JPs’ (p.9, JPP Evaluation Report)