Location: Remote within the EU, or ±1 hour of Berlin time, or based in Berlin, Germany 

Duration: January–March 2027 (3 months, extension possible)

Commitment: Approximately 20 per week (workload might change upon mutual agreement)

About Liberties

The Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties) is a Berlin-based watchdog organisation working to safeguard the human rights of everyone in the European Union.

We work on a range of human rights issues, including the rule of law, media freedom, freedom of expression, data protection, digital rights, and the freedom of civil society organisations to operate. Through our EU-wide campaigns, research, policy work and strategic communications, we aim to strengthen democracy and protect fundamental rights across Europe.

Liberties works closely with a network of member and partner organisations across the EU, combining in-depth research and advocacy with creative communications to bring human rights issues to public attention and drive meaningful change.

About the internship

We are looking for motivated, curious and detail-oriented interns to support the preparation and communication of Liberties’ 2027 Rule of Law Report, one of our key annual projects monitoring developments affecting the rule of law and fundamental rights across the European Union.

The internship will run from January to March or April 2027. Depending on their interests, experience and skills, interns will contribute to the project through our advocacy and research team, our communications team, or a combination of both.

This is an opportunity to gain practical experience in European human rights work, contribute to research and advocacy with a direct policy impact, and learn how research findings are translated into accessible communications and public engagement.

What you will do

Depending on your profile and the team's needs, your responsibilities may include the following.

Advocacy and research

• Support research on rule of law developments and fundamental rights in EU Member States.
• Assist in collecting, reviewing and analysing information from a range of sources, including reports, legal and policy documents, civil society publications and other relevant materials.
• Help draft, edit and fact-check research findings, country-specific contributions and other materials for the 2027 Rule of Law Report.
• Contribute to the preparation of policy recommendations and advocacy materials.
• Support coordination and information exchange with Liberties' member and partner organisations.
• Monitor relevant political, legal and policy developments at EU and national levels.

Communications and campaigns

• Aid in finalising the 2027 Rule of Law Report manuscript for publication in the final proofing stage.
• Help translate the findings of the 2027 Rule of Law Report into clear, accessible and engaging communications for different audiences.
• Support the preparation and dissemination of press materials, website content, newsletters and social media posts.
• Assist with research, content development and creative brainstorming for communications activities around the report's publication.
• Help identify key findings, stories and messages that can raise public awareness of rule of law challenges across Europe.
• Support media monitoring and outreach, as well as the planning and implementation of communications activities.
• Contribute to making complex legal and policy issues understandable and relevant to wider audiences.

Interns may work primarily in one team or contribute to both, depending on their background, interests and the needs of the project.

Who we are looking for

We welcome applications from motivated students who are interested in European democracy, human rights, the rule of law and the role of civil society in protecting fundamental rights.

You may be a good fit if you:

• Are currently enrolled in a university programme in law, European studies, political science, international relations, public policy, journalism, media and communications, social sciences or a related field.
• Have a strong interest in rule of law developments and democratic institutions in the European Union.
• Have excellent written and spoken English.
• Have strong research, analytical, writing or editing skills, depending on your area of interest.
• Are detail-oriented, organised and able to work independently while collaborating with an international team.
• Are proactive, open to feedback and eager to learn.

For advocacy and research-focused applicants: A background or demonstrated interest in EU law, constitutional law, human rights, European politics or public policy is an advantage. Experience with desk research, legal or policy analysis, or academic writing is welcome.

For communications-focused applicants: A background or demonstrated interest in journalism, media and communications, political or social sciences, digital communications or content creation is an advantage. Experience with social media, writing for different audiences, media monitoring or visual communications is welcome.

You do not need to have experience in every area listed above. We value a willingness to learn, a commitment to human rights and the ability to contribute thoughtfully to our work.

Liberties is an equal opportunity organisation. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented communities.

This internship is unpaid and offered on a voluntary basis.

What we offer

• Meaningful work: Contribute directly to a major EU-wide rule of law monitoring and advocacy project.
• Practical experience: Develop research, analytical, writing, advocacy or communications skills in a European human rights organisation.
• A cross-team perspective: Gain insight into how research findings inform advocacy strategies and public communications.
• Learning and support: Work closely with experienced colleagues in a collaborative and international team.
• Insight into European democratic trends: Learn about rule of law challenges across EU Member States and the role of civil society in addressing them.
• Flexibility: Work remotely from within the EU (or UK) or, where applicable, from Liberties' Berlin office.

Practical information

• Duration: January–March/April 2027, for approximately 3–4 months.
• Time commitment: Approximately 20 hours per week.
• Location: Flexible within the EU, including Berlin, Germany. Please note that Liberties cannot provide relocation support.
• Conditions: This is a voluntary, unpaid internship.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining your background, motivation for applying, relevant skills and what you would like to learn during the internship to applications@liberties.eu.

In your cover letter, please indicate whether you are primarily interested in advocacy and research, communications, or a combination of both.

Subject line: Rule of Law Report Internship – 2027

Applications are open until 30 November 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as suitable candidates are identified. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply early, as the application process may be underway before the deadline.

We look forward to hearing from you!