Economics Internship – European Transport Policy
Are you ready to kickstart your career in European transport policy and make a real impact on the competitiveness of sustainable transport? Join the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) as an Economics Intern and dive into the heart of EU transport, climate, and energy policies during the 2026 legislative cycle.
Main responsibilities:
As an Economics Intern at CER, you will be a vital part of the Economics Unit, providing essential support through rigorous data analysis and research. Your contributions will directly inform CER’s policy activities and strategic initiatives.
Key responsibilities include:
- Data Analysis and Reporting: Conduct comprehensive data gathering, analysis, and interpretation in the field of transport economics, focusing on rail infrastructure, passenger and freight transport, inter-modal competition and state aid.
- Impact Assessment Review: Support the CER Team in reviewing relevant Impact Assessments (e.g. ticketing, ERA Regulation), identifying economic assumptions and data gaps.
- Content Contribution: Provide analytical content for CER’s publications, including weekly Monitor and quarterly Economic Notes, ensuring that all materials are well-researched and accurately reflect current economic trends.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Monitor the activities of independent think tanks, research centres, EU institutions and other trade associations in the Brussels Bubble to stay informed about emerging policies and trends.
- Project Support: Assist in the delivery of key 2026 studies, specifically on rail freight and economic assessments for high-speed rail.
- Event Support: Assist and actively participate in events organised by CER.
- Horizontal Duties: Support other business units (passenger, freight, infrastructure) and contribute to CER advocacy activities.
Main requirements:
What kind of person are we looking for?
- You have a strong interest in EU transport, climate and energy policies.
- Some experience in applied economic research would be a plus.
- You are able to work independently and as a part of a multinational team.
What skills do you have?
- Excellent analytical skills and a good understanding of economic research methods.
- Detail-oriented approach combined with keeping to tight deadlines.
- Critical-thinking skills.
- Full professional proficiency in English with excellent writing skills.
- Excellent presentation skills.
- A flexible and proactive attitude to work.
- Good interpersonal skills.
Background
- The applicant should have a post-graduate degree in economics.
- The application should ideally have an interest in the transport sector.
Commitment
- The candidate should commit to the full six-month duration to ensure analytical consistency for 2026 study deliverables.
- The candidate should adhere to non-disclosure protocols regarding sensitive member data and internal economic models.
- The candidate should also adhere to the CER Code of Conduct, ensuring all research and advocacy support meet institutional integrity standards.
Work permit
- The applicant must have the legal authorisation to work in Belgium.
What's in it for you?
- A six-month vocational internship with competitive pay (CIP/BIO) and based in our office in Brussels.
- A contribution to accommodation costs, meal vouchers and a 100% reimbursement of public transport travel costs.
- A challenging international job in the EU bubble close to the heart of EU decision making.
- Work in a small, dynamic, young and multinational team with diverse backgrounds.
- Engaging with a network of around 35+ multinational corporations and 40+ European National Partner Organisations across 32 countries on several different projects.
- An excellent learning opportunity as well as a possibility for professional growth for a recent graduate who is interested in CER, as well as dealing with railway undertakings and their national associations.
How to apply
To apply, please send your CV and maximum one-page cover letter in English by e-mail to
The closing date for applications is 20 February 2026. Interviews including a test will be held on 25-26 February 2026.
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The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) brings together close to 70 railway undertakings, their national associations as well as infrastructure managers and vehicle leasing companies. CER members represent 78% of the European rail network length, 81% of the European freight business and 94% of rail passenger operations in Europe. CER’s role is to represent the interests of its members on the EU policy-making scene, in particular to support an improved business and regulatory environment for European railway operators and railway infrastructure companies.