Applications are open for the Connecting Europe Fellowship 2026, offering €2,500/month for living expenses during a 3-month research stay in Brussels. Open to young professionals from EU enlargement countries. Apply by 4 December 2025.
Call for Applications: Connecting Europe Fellowship – Bringing Candidate Country Voices to Brussels
The European Policy Centre (EPC) has officially opened applications for the Connecting Europe Fellowship 2026, a prestigious opportunity designed to bring voices from EU enlargement countries to the heart of Brussels.
This program supports two young professionals from candidate countries in advancing independent research projects while contributing to transnational dialogue on EU enlargement and the future of Europe.
Each selected fellow will spend three months in Brussels, receive a €2,500 monthly mobility grant, and work closely with EPC experts, civil society leaders, and EU policymakers to strengthen democratic engagement and cross-border collaboration.
About the Fellowship
The Connecting Europe Fellowship is part of EPC’s wider Thinking Enlarged initiative, which aims to ensure that the perspectives of EU candidate countries — particularly those from the Western Balkans, Turkey, and Eastern neighbourhood — are meaningfully represented in Brussels’ policy debates.
The program is generously supported by Stiftung Mercator and forms part of EPC’s Connecting Europe project, which has grown into a network of over 65 organizations working on democracy, enlargement, climate action, and digital transformation.
Fellowship Overview
Each Connecting Europe Fellow will spend three months at the EPC office in Brussels between February and December 2026.
During their stay, fellows will:
- Conduct an independent research project relevant to EU enlargement and policy debates.
- Produce a policy paper offering actionable recommendations for EU institutions and their home regions.
- Participate in policy discussions, workshops, and EPC events.
- Engage with Brussels-based stakeholders, policymakers, and think tank experts.
- Gain hands-on experience in European policymaking and transnational cooperation.
Financial Support Connecting Europe Fellowship 2026
Selected fellows will receive:
- €2,500 per month to support living expenses during their three-month stay in Brussels.
- Travel costs to and from Brussels covered by the program.
- Workspace and institutional support at the EPC headquarters.
- Assistance with visa arrangements, where applicable.
Note: The fellowship is awarded as a mobility grant, not an employment contract. Fellows remain independent researchers throughout their stay.
Eligibility Criteria
The Connecting Europe Fellowship 2026 welcomes applications from talented early- to mid-career professionals who meet the following criteria:
Who Can Apply
- Citizens and residents of EU enlargement countries:
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine. - Professionals currently based temporarily outside their home country may apply if their stay abroad is short-term.
- Applicants must have at least one year of professional experience in research, policy, or civil society.
- Hold a Master’s degree in political science, European studies, law, economics, or a related field.
- Demonstrate excellent English writing and communication skills.
- Have the support of their current organization or institution to participate in the fellowship.
Ideal Candidates
- Researchers, think tank professionals, or NGO practitioners.
- Individuals passionate about European affairs, EU enlargement, climate policy, digital transformation, or democracy and governance.
Research Focus Areas
Fellows will develop policy-oriented projects that explore intersections between EU policy and enlargement.
Priority areas include:
- Rule of Law & Democratic Resilience
- Judicial independence, media freedom, and civic participation.
- Green Deal & Climate Policy
- Aligning environmental goals and legislation with EU accession processes.
- Digital Transformation & Data Governance
- Promoting cybersecurity, digital rights, and inclusive digital ecosystems.
- Foreign Policy & Strategic Alignment
- Understanding EU enlargement within global power dynamics and regional security frameworks.
Each Fellow’s research will culminate in a policy paper published by EPC, contributing practical insights for EU institutions and regional stakeholders.
Program Benefits
Fellows will enjoy:
- A three-month residency in Brussels at EPC (Feb–Dec 2026).
- €2,500 monthly grant to cover accommodation and living costs.
- Travel support to and from Brussels.
- Access to exclusive EPC seminars, workshops, and events.
- Publication of a policy paper with professional editorial guidance.
- Networking opportunities with EU policymakers, civil society organizations, and international experts.
- Continued engagement through EPC’s Connecting Europe network post-fellowship.
Application Process
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send a single PDF file to cv@epc.eu by 4 December 2025, containing:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
- List of publications (if available)
- Project proposal (maximum 1,000 words) outlining:
- Research topic
- Relevance to EU enlargement
- Methodology and expected outcomes
- Motivation letter describing your interest in the fellowship and its relevance to your background
- Preferred fellowship period (3 months between February and December 2026)
Email Subject Format
CEFE_FirstName_LastName
(For example: CEFE_Ana_Petrovic)
Applications not following this format will not be considered.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview with EPC staff.
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Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Quality and relevance of proposed research project
- Professional experience and academic background
- Motivation and potential for policy impact
- Geographical and gender balance among selected fellows
Timeline
| Key Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 4 December 2025 | Application deadline |
| January 2026 | Shortlisted interviews |
| February – December 2026 | Fellowship period (3 months) |
| End of Fellowship | Publication of policy paper and engagement events |
About Connecting Europe
Connecting Europe is an EPC initiative funded by Stiftung Mercator that aims to connect civil society organizations with EU decision-makers and transnationalize European policy debates.
Established in 2017, the project now includes over 65 partner institutions working across Europe on issues such as democracy, enlargement, climate action, and digital transformation.
Following the motto “Thinking Enlarged”, it emphasizes the inclusion of civil society organizations from EU candidate countries in Brussels-based policy conversations.
Meta Description
Applications are open for the Connecting Europe Fellowship 2026, offering €2,500/month for living expenses during a 3-month research stay in Brussels. Open to young professionals from EU enlargement countries. Apply by 4 December 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible for the Connecting Europe Fellowship?
Early- to mid-career professionals from EU enlargement countries, including researchers, think tank staff, and NGO practitioners.
2. Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. Fellows receive €2,500/month and travel cost coverage for their stay in Brussels.
3. How long does the fellowship last?
Each fellowship lasts three months, between February and December 2026.
4. Can I apply if I am currently based outside my country?
Yes, provided your stay abroad is temporary.
5. What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 4 December 2025.
6. Is there an age limit?
No specific age limit, though the fellowship targets early to mid-career professionals.
7. Will the EPC assist with visa applications?
Yes, the EPC can provide support to selected candidates where needed.
Keywords
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