My name is Dan Birsan and I am a trainee in the Cooperation section of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova. Prior to commencing my experience in the Delegation, I completed several internships in Romania, Cluj-Napoca, in the main areas of my educational background, notably as an intern at a consulting firm working on European-funded projects and several internships at different law firms and institutions (notary, bailiff’s office, prosecutor’s office, Cluj Town Hall – legal department, etc.). Thus, as a graduate of International Relations and European Studies, with a degree in Law and a Master's in European Affairs and Programme Management, I thought that branching out my specialization would confer me a comparative advantage in my career path, mainly by exposing my profile to a broader sphere of professional possibilities. The origins of my interest in the European Union as a sui-generis project derive from the observation of the tangible results it achieved over the years of its existence, the most outstanding being peace and cooperation between member states.

Due to this personal interest, I concluded that the EU is a subject worth investing my time, both as a means to develop myself and as a possibility to be useful in the context of the European integration of the Republic of Moldova. This is why I focused both in my Bachelors’ and Master’s theses on the topic of EU law, its application and functioning, considering that the process of harmonising the national legislation of the applicant country with the “acquis communautaire” requires a substantial effort from national and European actors. Therefore, I regard the opportunity of a traineeship at the EU Delegation as the perfect chance to put to use, where needed, the accumulated knowledge, as well as to obtain expertise in the areas which I view crucial for my individual growth.

I truly hope that, while being a trainee, I would also be able to contribute, directly or indirectly, to the work of a larger team/institution, which might be for example the European Commission in the context of Moldova’s accession. Even though I am at the Delegation for less than a month, I had the chance to attend several meetings regarding key aspects of the accession process, most notably with some High-Level Advisers on different sectors of the Association Agreement. The day-to-day work is also eventful and quite engaging, as you have to constantly adapt to various new tasks, mainly because they depend on the concrete needs of the Cooperation section and the current events and projects happening in Moldova.

Altogether, I am convinced that this would be a productive endeavour for any graduate interested in the work of EU institutions and especially in those responsible for diplomatic services of the EU. You would also have the opportunity to be involved in the activity of a great team of professionals and, generally, really welcoming people. Therefore, I would recommend to any hesitant applicant to try attaining the traineeship, because the application by itself has no opportunity cost but the potential benefits are truly substantial and definitely worth your time!