The EU Cyber Diplomacy Initiative has opened applications for the EU:CD Fellowship 2025/2026, a six-month programme for international cyber diplomacy professionals. Learn about the programme structure, eligibility, thematic focus areas, benefits, and how to apply before 16 November 2025.
Overview: EU:CD Fellowship 2025/2026
The EU Cyber Diplomacy Initiative — EU Cyber Direct — has officially launched the EU:CD Fellowship 2025/2026, the third edition of its flagship programme. Running from December 2025 to June 2026, this selective non-residential fellowship brings together cyber diplomacy practitioners, researchers, and policymakers from around the world to collaborate with EU institutions and global experts.
The programme blends virtual engagement with two in-person gatherings, offering fellows a unique opportunity to test policy ideas, produce impactful research, strengthen inter-regional cooperation, and contribute to evolving global cyber norms.
This edition places a special emphasis on region-to-region cooperation in cyber diplomacy — bridging national perspectives with global policy processes.
Objectives of the Fellowship
The EU:CD Fellowship aims to advance rigorous, policy-relevant analysis in international cyber affairs. Fellows will:
- Investigate major global cyber policy challenges
- Engage national, regional, and international stakeholders
- Produce written policy outputs and lead knowledge-sharing events
- Contribute to cross-regional and inter-regional cyber diplomacy
- Support North–South and South–South collaboration
- Strengthen multistakeholder cooperation in cyber governance
Core thematic areas include:
- Cyber capacity building
- Responsible State behaviour and international cyber stability
- Human rights in cyberspace
- Cyber resilience and critical infrastructure protection
- Governance of emerging and disruptive technologies
- Hybrid threats
- Multistakeholder cyber diplomacy
- Science for cyber diplomacy
Programme Structure
The Fellowship runs for six months and includes the following components:
1. Knowledge Building
Targeted exchanges with EU officials, regional experts, and international practitioners, focusing on diverse national and regional cyber perspectives.
2. Peer Learning
Structured online sessions covering key themes, including strategic communication, policy drafting, negotiation skills, and cyber governance frameworks.
3. Community Building
Two fully funded, in-person meetings:
- Brussels, providing direct exposure to EU institutions
- Second location, to be announced based on global cyber diplomacy developments
These gatherings connect fellows with policymakers, academia, and technical experts.
4. Policy Impact and Outputs
Each fellow submits a work plan outlining at least two deliverables:
- One written publication (policy brief, analytical paper, blog post, etc.)
- One convening (webinar, workshop, briefing, Track 1.5 dialogue, etc.)
EU:CD provides editorial, logistical, and technical support for these outputs.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications are open globally to all countries outside the EU and EEA. There are no age or career seniority limits.
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Active involvement in cyber or digital policy issues
- Proven track record in cyber diplomacy or related fields
- Ability to conduct independent, high-quality analysis
- Strong English writing and communication skills
The Fellowship welcomes:
- Government officials
- Civil society actors
- Researchers and academics
- Private sector specialists
- Professionals from international and regional organizations
What the Fellowship Provides
The programme offers:
- Participation in a prestigious international cyber diplomacy cohort
- Structured mentorship and engagement with EU institutions
- Fully funded travel, accommodation, and logistics for in-person meetings
- Opportunities to publish research on EU:CD platforms
- Platforms to lead events, webinars, and policy dialogues
- Access to a global network of cyber diplomacy experts
- Editorial support for research outputs
- Exposure to cutting-edge EU cyber policy processes
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their materials via the official EU:CD Fellowship application portal.
Required Documents (single PDF)
- Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
- Motivation Letter (max 2 pages), addressing:
- Why you are a strong candidate
- Your expertise and contribution to EU:CD’s mission
- Brief proposal for one publication (150 words, with working title)
- Brief proposal for one webinar (150 words)
- Optional additional supporting evidence (if relevant)
Application Deadline
16 November 2025 – 23:59 CET
Selected candidates will be contacted after the review and shortlisting process.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | EU:CD Fellowship 2025/2026 |
| Duration | December 2025 – June 2026 |
| Format | Hybrid (online + two in-person meetings) |
| Eligibility | Open to all non-EU/EEA applicants |
| Themes | Cyber diplomacy, capacity building, stability, human rights, technology governance, hybrid threats |
| Benefits | Fully funded travel, EU engagement, publication support, policy impact |
| Application Deadline | 16 November 2025 |
| Required Docs | CV + Motivation Letter + Project Proposals |
Conclusion
The EU:CD Fellowship 2025/2026 is one of the most influential global programmes for cyber diplomacy professionals. With its focus on inter-regional cooperation, policy-relevant research, and engagement with EU institutions, the fellowship offers a rare opportunity to shape global cyber governance while advancing your career.
