CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026-27: Fully Funded Brussels Trip

Application Deadline: November 10, 2026

Applications are open for the Climate Leadership Programme 2026-2027, run by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) with support from the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue. The safe deadline is November 10, 2026, which is one week away.

The program will select just eight young climate leaders aged 20 to 30. They get online training from December 2026 to February 2027, then a week in Brussels where travel, visa and accommodation costs are covered. The call is open worldwide, and candidates from Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda are specifically encouraged to apply.

If you’re already working on climate policy, advocacy or a green venture, this is a chance to connect your local work to European policy debates.

About the Programme

The Climate Leadership Programme supports emerging leaders who are already acting on climate in their own countries and communities. It aims to deepen their understanding of EU climate policymaking, build practical skills and link them with climate leaders and policymakers from around the world.

Online Phase: December 2026 to February 2027

Participants attend online masterclasses and skills training on:

• EU climate governance
• Climate diplomacy
• Policy writing
• Communication and advocacy

Attendance is mandatory. Only participants who complete this phase move on to Brussels.

Brussels Week: February 28 to March 6, 2027

During an intensive week in Brussels, participants learn how the EU policy landscape works first-hand and meet members of the wider European policy community. They also join CEPS Ideas Lab on March 4-5, 2027, a flagship event that brings together policymakers, researchers, business leaders and civil society. The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung will organise a side programme, with details shared later.

Benefits

• Fully funded Brussels week: Travel, visa and accommodation are covered.
• Expert training: Masterclasses on EU climate governance and diplomacy.
• Practical skills: Policy writing, communication and advocacy.
• Ideas Lab access: Join a major Brussels policy event.
• Global network: Meet climate leaders and policymakers from many countries.
• Policy insight: See how EU decisions are made.

The source does not mention a stipend or the cost of the online phase, so check with CEPS.

Who Can Apply

You should:

• Be between 20 and 30 years old
• Already be involved in climate policy, advocacy or entrepreneurship
• Bring a specific initiative, such as a policy proposal, advocacy campaign or venture
• Have a good command of English
• Be available for the online phase (December to February) and for Brussels (February 28 to March 6)

The organisers also want a gender-balanced cohort with diverse backgrounds.

Countries Especially Encouraged

• Africa: Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda
• Asia and Middle East: Cambodia, China, Georgia, India, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, South Korea, Syria and Thailand
• Latin America: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Central America
• Europe and others: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine

How to Apply and Key Dates

You apply by email. Send three documents to internship.erc@ceps.eu:

1. Your CV: Education, experience, climate activities and achievements, in English
2. A reference letter: In English
3. The official application questionnaire: Get it from the CEPS announcement

Use this subject line: Climate Leadership Programme – [Your Full Name]. Only complete applications are considered.

Key dates:

• October 29, 2026: Applications opened
• November 10, 2026, 23:59 CET: Safe deadline (see note below)
• End of November 2026: Notification
• December 2026 to February 2027: Online training
• February 28 to March 6, 2027: Brussels programme
• March 4-5, 2027: CEPS Ideas Lab

Questions? Contact Elena Mingarelli at elena.mingarelli@ceps.eu.

Tips for a Strong Application

1. Lead with your initiative. Describe your policy proposal, campaign or venture clearly, and say what it has achieved.
2. Link your work to EU policy. Explain why Brussels matters for the issue you work on.
3. Choose your referee wisely. Pick someone who has seen your climate work first-hand.
4. Follow the email instructions exactly. The right subject line and all three documents matter.
5. Check your calendar. You must be free in December to February, and for the Brussels week.
6. Write in plain English. Short, clear answers read better than long ones.
7. Send it early. With only eight places, don’t wait for the final hour.

Conclusion

Eight places is a small number, but a clear initiative and an honest application can stand out. If you’re a young climate leader with a project to show, put your application together this week.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE