CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 in Brussels, Belgium | Fully Funded Opportunity for Young Climate Leaders
The Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), in partnership with Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue, is inviting applications from young climate leaders worldwide for its Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027. The programme offers eight selected participants an opportunity to strengthen their climate policy knowledge, develop leadership and communication skills, and engage with policymakers and climate experts in Europe.
Running from December 2026 to March 2027, the programme combines online masterclasses and skills training with an in-person week in Brussels, Belgium. Travel, visa and accommodation costs for the Brussels programme will be covered for selected participants.
Application deadline: 10 November 2026, at 23:59 CET, according to the application instructions.
Table of Contents
CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 Overview
The Climate Leadership Programme is a joint initiative of CEPS and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung designed to support young people who are already active in climate policy, advocacy or entrepreneurship.
The programme aims to help participants better understand European Union climate policymaking while developing the practical skills needed to advance climate initiatives in their own countries and communities.
Programme Details
- Programme: Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027
- Host organisation: Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)
- Partner organisation: Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue
- Location: Brussels, Belgium, with online activities
- Programme duration: December 2026 to March 2027
- Number of participants: Eight young climate leaders
- Format: Online training followed by an in-person programme
- Brussels programme dates: 28 February–6 March 2027
- CEPS Ideas Lab: 4–5 March 2027
- Eligible applicants: Candidates worldwide
- Funding: Travel, visa and accommodation costs for the Brussels week are covered
- Application fee: Not specified in the announcement
What Does the Climate Leadership Programme Offer?
Selected participants will take part in a combination of online learning, professional development and engagement with Europe’s climate policy community.
1. Online Masterclasses and Skills Training
From December 2026 to February 2027, participants will attend online sessions covering areas such as:
- EU climate governance and policymaking
- Climate diplomacy
- Policy writing
- Communication and advocacy
- Practical leadership and professional development
Attendance during the online phase is mandatory. Only participants who complete this phase will proceed to the in-person programme in Brussels.
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2. In-Person Programme in Brussels
From 28 February to 6 March 2027, participants will spend a week in Brussels, gaining first-hand exposure to the European policy environment.
The programme provides opportunities to connect with climate professionals, policymakers, researchers and civil society representatives while learning how climate decisions are shaped at the European level.
3. Participation in CEPS Ideas Lab
Participants will attend CEPS Ideas Lab on 4 and 5 March 2027. This flagship event brings together policymakers, researchers, business leaders and civil society representatives to discuss major challenges and opportunities facing Europe.
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung will also organise a complementary programme in Brussels, with further details provided to selected participants.
Salary, Funding and Benefits
The official announcement does not specify a salary, stipend or cash award for participants. Applicants should therefore not assume that the programme provides a monthly allowance.
However, the programme confirms that travel, visa and accommodation costs for the Brussels week will be covered.
Other benefits include:
- Access to online masterclasses and practical skills training.
- Greater understanding of EU climate policy and governance.
- Exposure to climate diplomacy and policy communication.
- Networking opportunities with international climate leaders.
- Engagement with policymakers, researchers and civil society representatives.
- Participation in CEPS Ideas Lab 2027.
- Opportunities to strengthen an existing climate initiative, advocacy campaign, policy proposal or venture.
The announcement does not specify whether meals, insurance, personal expenses or other costs will be covered. Applicants should confirm any additional arrangements with the organisers if necessary.
Qualifications and Experience Requirements
The programme is intended for young people who are already involved in climate action and want to strengthen their leadership and policy engagement.
Applicants should meet the following requirements.
Age Requirement
Candidates must be between 20 and 30 years old.
Interest in Climate Action
Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in climate action and already be engaged in climate policy, advocacy or entrepreneurship within their own context.
Existing Initiative
Candidates should bring a specific initiative to the programme. Examples include:
- A climate policy proposal.
- An environmental advocacy campaign.
- A climate-focused business or social venture.
- A community-based climate action project.
Applicants should be prepared to explain their initiative, its objectives and how the programme could help them develop or advance it.
English Language Skills
Applicants must have a good command of English to participate effectively in online sessions and activities in Brussels.
Availability
Candidates must be available for the mandatory online programme from December 2026 to February 2027 and the in-person programme in Brussels from 28 February to 6 March 2027.
The announcement does not specify a formal university degree requirement or a minimum number of years of professional experience.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to candidates worldwide. The organisers particularly welcome applications from a range of countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
Countries specifically highlighted include Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, India, China, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Morocco, Tunisia, Ukraine, Georgia, Albania, Lebanon and others.
The full list in the official announcement also includes countries in Central America, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Cambodia, Kosovo, Iraq, Israel, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Palestine, Peru, Serbia, South Korea, Syria, Thailand and Turkey.
Applicants from countries not specifically highlighted may also apply because the call is open worldwide.
The programme aims to create a gender-balanced cohort with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
For African applicants, including young climate advocates, entrepreneurs and policy campaigners, this programme may provide an opportunity to connect local climate initiatives with broader European policy discussions.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit three items:
- CV: An up-to-date curriculum vitae written in English.
- Reference letter: A reference letter written in English.
- Written application questionnaire: The completed questionnaire provided by CEPS.
Before applying, ensure that your CV clearly explains your climate-related activities, relevant experience, leadership responsibilities and achievements.
Your questionnaire should describe your existing initiative and demonstrate how participation could strengthen your contribution to climate action.
Choose a referee who can credibly explain your experience, commitment and suitability for the programme.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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How to Apply for the CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027
Follow these steps to submit your application.
Step 1: Complete the online questionnaire
Use the official application form:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ArT2o-JLn0mGU2K_VBWJ4kK6F8t7NNJPubUXRlPWPptUNllRUUc2MkZHQjBOOEVXUzNGNVlTRjg3US4u&route=shorturl
Step 2: Prepare your CV and reference letter
Both documents must be written in English. Make sure they are complete and relevant to your climate leadership experience.
Step 3: Email your documents
Send your CV and reference letter to:
internship.erc@ceps.eu
Use the following email subject line:
Climate Leadership Programme – [Full Name]
Replace [Full Name] with your actual name.
Step 4: Submit before the deadline
Ensure that the questionnaire has been completed and the required documents have been emailed before the application deadline. Keep a copy of your submission for your records.
Successful applicants are expected to be notified by the end of November 2026.
Application Deadline and Important Dates
Applicants should take note of the following schedule:
- 29 October 2026: Application opening.
- 10 November 2026, 23:59 CET: Deadline stated in the detailed application instructions.
- 11 November 2026, 23:59 CET: Alternative deadline listed in the announcement’s key dates section.
- By the end of November 2026: Expected notification of successful applicants.
- December 2026–February 2027: Online masterclasses and skills training.
- 28 February–6 March 2027: In-person programme in Brussels.
- 4–5 March 2027: CEPS Ideas Lab.
Important deadline clarification: The announcement contains two different deadlines: 10 November in the application instructions and 11 November in the key dates section. To avoid missing the opportunity, applicants should submit their complete applications by 10 November 2026, 23:59 CET, and contact CEPS if clarification is needed.
Official Application Link
For full details, application instructions and updates, consult the official CEPS announcement:
Application questionnaire:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ArT2o-JLn0mGU2K_VBWJ4kK6F8t7NNJPubUXRlPWPptUNllRUUc2MkZHQjBOOEVXUzNGNVlTRjg3US4u&route=shorturl
Application email: internship.erc@ceps.eu
For further information, contact Elena Mingarelli at elena.mingarelli@ceps.eu.
Related Opportunities for Climate and Environmental Careers
Young professionals interested in climate action, environmental research and sustainability can also explore related opportunities, including:
- Climate policy and environmental advocacy fellowships.
- Fully funded environmental research programmes.
- Sustainability and climate change internships.
- International development and environmental policy jobs.
- Scholarships for postgraduate study in climate science and sustainability.
- Youth leadership programmes focused on environmental protection.
Check official programme websites for eligibility requirements, funding details and current application deadlines before applying.
Final Thoughts
The CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 offers an opportunity for eight young climate leaders to develop practical skills, learn about EU climate policymaking and connect with professionals working on climate issues internationally.
The programme is particularly relevant to applicants who already have a climate-related initiative and want to improve their policy, advocacy, communication or leadership capabilities.
Although a salary or stipend is not specified, coverage of travel, visa and accommodation costs for the Brussels week makes the opportunity worth considering for eligible applicants.
Interested candidates should prepare their CV, secure a reference letter, complete the online questionnaire and submit their applications in English as early as possible.
Apply before 10 November 2026 to avoid the deadline discrepancy in the announcement.
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