The Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), in collaboration with Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union, has announced applications for the 2027 Climate Leadership Program, offering eight young climate advocates an opportunity to strengthen their leadership and policy engagement skills.
The programme will run from December 2026 to March 2027 and is open to young climate leaders from across the world.
It seeks to deepen participants’ understanding of European Union (EU) climate policymaking while developing their practical capabilities in leadership, diplomacy and advocacy. Participants will also have opportunities to connect with policymakers, researchers and civil society organisations working in the climate sector.
Through online training and an in-person programme in Brussels, the initiative will expose participants to European climate governance and the policy processes shaping climate action.
The selected candidates will benefit from online masterclasses and professional development sessions covering EU climate governance, policy writing, diplomacy and communication. They will also gain opportunities to interact with international climate experts and emerging leaders while developing a better understanding of the European policy landscape.
A major component of the programme is participation in CEPS Ideas Lab, the organisation’s flagship event, which brings together policymakers, researchers, business leaders and civil society representatives.
Participants will also attend an additional side programme organised by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung in Brussels.
Programme Structure
The first phase will take place online between December 2026 and February 2027. During this period, participants will attend masterclasses and professional skills sessions focused on European Union climate governance, diplomacy, policy writing and communication.
Attendance throughout the online phase is compulsory. Only candidates who successfully complete this component will qualify to proceed to the in-person programme in Brussels.
The second phase is scheduled for February 28 to March 6, 2027, when selected participants will spend one week in Brussels engaging with the European policy community and gaining practical exposure to EU policymaking.
The Brussels programme will include participation in CEPS Ideas Lab on March 4–5, 2027, alongside a complementary side programme hosted by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung.
Eligibility Requirements
The opportunity is designed for eight young climate leaders between the ages of 20 and 30 who demonstrate a strong interest in climate action.
Applicants must already be involved in climate policy, advocacy or climate entrepreneurship within their communities or countries. They are also expected to have a specific initiative they are pursuing, which could be a policy proposal, advocacy campaign or climate-related business venture.
Other requirements include a good command of English, availability throughout the mandatory online programme from December 2026 to February 2027, and the ability to attend the Brussels component from February 28 to March 6, 2027.
Eligible Countries
Applications are welcome from candidates worldwide, with particular interest in applicants from several countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.
In Africa, the programme particularly welcomes applications from Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.
Interested candidates from Asia can apply from countries including Cambodia, China, India, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, South Korea, Syria and Thailand, among others.
European countries highlighted in the call include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine.
In Latin America, priority countries include Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and countries across Central America.
Candidates from countries not specifically listed are also eligible to apply.
Application Requirements and Process
Applicants are required to submit three documents: a curriculum vitae (CV), a reference letter and a completed written application questionnaire.
All application materials must be prepared and submitted in English.
To apply, interested candidates should complete the online application questionnaire through the official Microsoft Forms portal:
Applicants must also email their CV and reference letter to internship.erc@ceps.eu, using the subject line:
Climate Leadership Programme – [Full Name]
All required documents must be submitted before the application deadline. CEPS will only consider complete applications.
Application Timeline
The application window opened on October 29, 2026, and will close on November 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM Central European Time (CET).
Successful applicants are expected to receive notification by the end of November 2026.
The online training phase will run from December 2026 to February 2027, followed by the Brussels programme from February 28 to March 6, 2027.
CEPS Ideas Lab is scheduled for March 4–5, 2027, as part of the in-person activities.
For further enquiries about the programme, applicants can contact Elena Mingarelli via elena.mingarelli@ceps.eu.
Additional information about eligibility, programme activities and the application process is available on the official CEPS website:
Programme details: Visit the official CEPS website
Source: MSME Africa Online
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