CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Climate Leadership Opportunity in Brussels
CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Climate Leadership Opportunity in Brussels. The Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), with support from Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue, is accepting applications for the Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027, an international leadership development opportunity for young people working on climate policy, advocacy and green entrepreneurship.
The programme is open to applicants worldwide and will select eight young climate leaders aged 20–30 who demonstrate a strong commitment to climate action and have a concrete initiative they want to advance.
Selected participants will take part in mandatory online masterclasses from December 2026 to February 2027, followed by a fully funded study and policy engagement week in Brussels, Belgium, from 28 February to 6 March 2027.
The Brussels programme includes participation in the CEPS Ideas Lab, opportunities to engage with European policymakers and climate stakeholders, and complementary activities organised by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung.
Application deadline: November 10, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
Key details
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 |
| Organiser | Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) |
| Supporting organisation | Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue |
| Opportunity type | Climate leadership development programme |
| Number of participants | 8 |
| Eligible applicants | Worldwide |
| Age requirement | 20–30 years |
| Online training | December 2026 – February 2027 |
| Brussels programme | 28 February – 6 March 2027 |
| Location | Brussels, Belgium |
| Funding | Travel, visa and accommodation for the Brussels programme covered |
| Training topics | EU climate governance, climate diplomacy, policy writing and communication |
| International event | CEPS Ideas Lab, 4–5 March 2027 |
| Application deadline | November 10, 2026, at 23:59 CET |
| Application method | Online questionnaire and email submission |
About the CEPS Climate Leadership Programme
CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Climate Leadership Opportunity in Brussels
The CEPS Climate Leadership Programme is designed to support young people who are already engaged in climate action and want to strengthen their leadership, policy and communication skills.
The programme brings together participants from different countries and backgrounds to explore European climate policymaking, international climate diplomacy and approaches to advancing climate initiatives.
It combines online learning with an in-person experience in Brussels.
The programme is particularly relevant to young people who are developing climate policy proposals, running advocacy campaigns or building green business initiatives.
Through training and engagement with the European policy community, participants will gain opportunities to learn how climate initiatives can connect with policymaking and international cooperation.
What the programme offers
CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Climate Leadership Opportunity in Brussels
1. Online climate leadership masterclasses
Selected participants will take part in mandatory online masterclasses from December 2026 to February 2027.
The online component will provide training and skills development in areas including:
- European Union climate governance
- Climate diplomacy
- Policy writing
- Communication
The training is designed to help participants better understand climate policymaking and strengthen their ability to communicate climate-related ideas and initiatives.
Attendance during the online phase is mandatory.
Participants must complete this component to proceed to the Brussels programme.
2. Fully funded week in Brussels
The programme includes an in-person study and policy engagement week in Brussels, Belgium, from 28 February to 6 March 2027.
For the Brussels component, the programme covers:
- Travel
- Visa costs
- Accommodation
This allows selected participants to attend the programme’s in-person activities without having to cover the listed travel and accommodation expenses themselves.
The funding described applies to the Brussels programme. Applicants should not interpret it as a salary, monthly stipend or full funding for the entire online programme period.
3. Participation in the CEPS Ideas Lab
Participants will attend the CEPS Ideas Lab, scheduled for 4–5 March 2027.
The event provides opportunities to engage with European policymakers, researchers, business representatives and civil society stakeholders.
Participants can learn about policy discussions, exchange perspectives and connect with people working on climate and sustainability issues.
The Ideas Lab is an important part of the programme’s international engagement component.
4. Additional activities organised by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue will organise complementary activities during the Brussels visit.
These activities are intended to enrich the programme and provide additional opportunities for participants to engage with climate policy and the European policy community.
5. International networking
The programme brings together young climate leaders from different countries.
Participants can exchange experiences, learn from different approaches to climate action and build professional connections.
The international environment may be particularly valuable for applicants working on climate initiatives in their own communities and countries.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to applicants worldwide who meet the age, experience, project and language requirements.
Applicants should already be engaged in climate policy, advocacy or entrepreneurship.
Age requirement
CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Climate Leadership Opportunity in Brussels
Applicants must be between 20 and 30 years old.
Worldwide eligibility
Applications are open worldwide.
The organisers particularly welcome applicants from selected partner countries in the Global South, Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans.
The opportunity is not restricted to applicants from Europe.
Climate engagement
Applicants should have a strong interest in climate action and demonstrate engagement in one or more of the following areas:
- Climate policy
- Climate advocacy
- Green entrepreneurship
The programme is intended for young people who are actively working on climate-related initiatives rather than applicants with only a general interest in climate change.
Concrete climate initiative
Applicants must bring a concrete climate project or initiative.
Examples may include:
- A climate policy proposal
- An advocacy campaign
- A green business venture
- A community climate initiative
- A project addressing climate-related challenges
The initiative should demonstrate the applicant’s engagement with climate action and provide a clear basis for participation in the programme.
English proficiency
Applicants must have a strong command of English.
The application materials must be submitted in English, and participants should be able to engage in the programme’s training, discussions and policy activities.
Availability
Applicants must be available for both programme components:
- Mandatory online training from December 2026 to February 2027
- The Brussels programme from 28 February to 6 March 2027
Applicants should ensure that they can participate throughout the relevant dates before applying.
Which countries are encouraged to apply?
The programme is open worldwide.
The organisers particularly welcome applications from selected countries in the Global South, Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans.
The programme announcement highlights countries and regions including:
- Kenya
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Morocco
- Tunisia
- Albania
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Cambodia
- Central America
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Georgia
- India
- Iraq
- Israel
- Kosovo
- Lebanon
- Mexico
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Palestine
- Peru
- Serbia
- South Korea
- Syria
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Ukraine
This list reflects countries and regions particularly welcomed by the programme and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive list of eligible nationalities.
Applicants from other countries may also apply if they meet the worldwide eligibility requirements.
What kind of climate projects are suitable?
CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Climate Leadership Opportunity in Brussels
Applicants should bring a concrete initiative connected to climate policy, advocacy or green entrepreneurship.
The programme is intended to support young leaders who are already working on climate-related activities and want to strengthen their ability to influence policy, communicate ideas or advance their initiatives.
Climate policy proposals
Applicants working on policy proposals may be interested in the programme’s training on EU climate governance, policy writing and climate diplomacy.
Climate advocacy campaigns
Young people leading campaigns related to climate action may benefit from the programme’s communication and policy engagement activities.
Green entrepreneurship
Applicants developing green businesses or climate-related ventures may be relevant to the programme’s focus on green entrepreneurship.
Community climate initiatives
Applicants working on local climate challenges should explain their initiative, the problem it addresses and their role in advancing climate action.
The programme does not publish a specific project funding amount in the announcement. Applicants should therefore not assume that the programme provides a cash grant for their climate initiative.
Programme schedule
The programme is divided into an online training phase and an in-person Brussels component.
| Period | Activity |
|---|---|
| December 2026 – February 2027 | Mandatory online masterclasses and skills training |
| 28 February – 6 March 2027 | Brussels study and policy engagement week |
| 4–5 March 2027 | CEPS Ideas Lab |
| During Brussels week | Complementary activities organised by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung |
The online training is mandatory.
Applicants should be prepared to participate in the full programme rather than attending only the Brussels event.
Application requirements
CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Climate Leadership Opportunity in Brussels
Applicants must submit the required application materials in English.
The programme announcement identifies the following documents and application components.
1. Curriculum vitae
Prepare an up-to-date CV describing your education, relevant experience, climate-related activities and leadership responsibilities.
Your CV should clearly demonstrate your engagement in climate policy, advocacy or green entrepreneurship.
2. Reference letter
Applicants must provide a reference letter.
The letter should support the application and provide relevant information about the applicant’s experience, work or leadership.
Ensure that the reference letter is prepared in English.
3. Online application questionnaire
Applicants must complete the online application questionnaire.
The questionnaire is intended to collect information about the applicant’s background, climate engagement and initiative.
Applicants should answer accurately and ensure that their responses reflect their genuine experience.
How to apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application questionnaire and submit their CV and reference letter by email.
Step 1: Review the official programme
Visit the official programme information page.
Review the programme requirements, dates, eligibility criteria and funding arrangements.
Step 2: Confirm your eligibility
Check that you:
- Are aged 20–30
- Have a strong interest in climate action
- Are already engaged in climate policy, advocacy or entrepreneurship
- Have a concrete climate initiative
- Have a good command of English
- Can attend the mandatory online training
- Can participate in the Brussels programme from 28 February to 6 March 2027
Step 3: Prepare your CV
Prepare your CV in English.
Include relevant climate activities, leadership experience, policy work, advocacy campaigns, green entrepreneurship or community initiatives.
Step 4: Obtain a reference letter
Arrange a reference letter to support your application.
Ensure that the document is prepared in English and is available before the application deadline.
Step 5: Complete the online questionnaire
Submit the required online application questionnaire.
Use the official programme information page to access the application instructions and questionnaire.
Step 6: Email your application documents
Email subject: Climate Leadership Programme – [Full Name]
Replace [Full Name] with your actual name.
Applicants should ensure that their CV and reference letter are submitted in English.
Step 7: Submit before the deadline
The application deadline is November 10, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
The organisers encourage applicants to complete their submissions before the final deadline.
Application deadline
CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Climate Leadership Opportunity in Brussels
November 10, 2026, at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).
Applicants should consider the time difference when submitting from outside Europe.
For applicants in Zimbabwe, the deadline corresponds to November 11, 2026, at 01:59 a.m. Zimbabwe time.
Do not wait until the last minute to submit your documents.
Important application notes
- The programme is open worldwide.
- Eight young climate leaders will be selected.
- Applicants must be aged 20–30.
- Applicants must already be involved in climate policy, advocacy or green entrepreneurship.
- A concrete climate initiative is required.
- The online training from December 2026 to February 2027 is mandatory.
- Participants must be available for the Brussels programme from 28 February to 6 March 2027.
- Travel, visa and accommodation for the Brussels programme are covered.
- The programme does not specify a monthly stipend or project grant in the announcement.
- Applicants must submit a CV, reference letter and online questionnaire.
- Application materials must be in English.
- The deadline is November 10, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
Tips for preparing a competitive application
CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Climate Leadership Opportunity in Brussels
Demonstrate your climate engagement
Explain what you are already doing in climate policy, advocacy or green entrepreneurship.
Applicants should show how their experience connects to the programme’s objectives.
Present a concrete initiative
Describe the climate initiative you want to advance.
Explain the issue it addresses, your role and what you hope to achieve.
Highlight your leadership
Show how you have taken initiative, worked with others or contributed to climate action.
Use relevant examples rather than relying only on general statements about your interest in climate change.
Explain why the programme is relevant
Connect your climate initiative to the programme’s training topics.
For example, explain how knowledge of EU climate governance, policy writing, communication or climate diplomacy could help you advance your initiative.
Check your availability
The online training is mandatory, and the Brussels programme requires in-person participation.
Applicants should confirm that they can attend both components.
Submit complete documents
Ensure that your CV, reference letter and questionnaire are completed and submitted according to the official instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CEPS Climate Leadership Programme fully funded?
The programme covers travel, visa and accommodation for the Brussels component.
The online training is part of the programme.
The announcement does not specify a monthly stipend or a separate cash grant for participants’ climate projects.
Who can apply?
Young people aged 20–30 from anywhere in the world who are already engaged in climate policy, advocacy or green entrepreneurship and have a concrete climate initiative.
How many participants will be selected?
Eight young climate leaders will be selected.
Is the programme open to African applicants?
Yes. The programme is open worldwide and particularly welcomes applicants from selected countries in the Global South, including Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Morocco and Tunisia.
Can applicants from Zimbabwe apply?
The programme is open worldwide. Applicants from Zimbabwe may apply if they meet the age, climate engagement, initiative, English-language and availability requirements.
Where will the programme take place?
The online component takes place from December 2026 to February 2027.
The in-person programme takes place in Brussels, Belgium, from 28 February to 6 March 2027.
What is the CEPS Ideas Lab?
The CEPS Ideas Lab is a policy event scheduled for 4–5 March 2027.
Participants will have opportunities to engage with European policymakers, researchers, business representatives and civil society stakeholders.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a CV, a reference letter and the online application questionnaire.
The CV and reference letter must be in English.
What is the application deadline?
November 10, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
Does the programme provide a project grant?
The programme announcement does not specify a separate project grant or cash award.
Applicants should not assume that participation includes project funding.
Final thoughts
CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Climate Leadership Opportunity in Brussels
CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Climate Leadership Opportunity in Brussels. The CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 offers an international development opportunity for young climate leaders who are already working on climate policy, advocacy or green entrepreneurship.
The programme combines mandatory online training, a fully funded Brussels week, participation in the CEPS Ideas Lab and engagement with the European climate policy community.
For applicants with a concrete climate initiative and a commitment to advancing climate action, the programme offers opportunities to strengthen their policy knowledge, communication skills and international connections.
Applicants should review the eligibility requirements, prepare their CV and reference letter, complete the questionnaire and submit their application before the deadline.
Application deadline: November 10, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
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