CEPS Climate Leadership Program 2027 in Belgium | Fully Funded
Introduction
The CEPS Climate Leadership Program 2027 offers eight young climate leaders an opportunity to explore European climate policymaking and develop professional skills. Organized by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), with support from Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union Global Dialogue, it combines online learning with an in-person program in Brussels. Applications are open worldwide to young people already involved in climate policy, advocacy, or entrepreneurship.
The program runs from December 2026 to March 2027, with mandatory online activities followed by a week in Belgium. Participants will study EU climate governance, strengthen practical skills, and engage with members of the European policy community. The program is described as fully funded, with travel, visa, and accommodation costs covered for the Brussels week.
Scholarship Overview
This opportunity is a leadership development program centered on climate action and policy engagement. Applicants must bring a specific initiative, which may be a policy proposal, advocacy campaign, or business venture. The selected group will bring together eight participants, with the program seeking gender balance and diversity in backgrounds and experiences.
- Program: CEPS Climate Leadership Program 2027
- Location: Online and Brussels, Belgium
- Places available: Eight
- Overall period: December 2026 to March 2027
- Funding: Fully funded, including travel, visa, and accommodation for the Brussels week
- Application deadline: 10 November 2026 at 23:59 CET
Host Country
Belgium hosts the in-person component, which takes place in Brussels from 28 February to 6 March 2027. During this week, participants will gain direct exposure to the European policy landscape. Their schedule includes CEPS Ideas Lab on 4 and 5 March, alongside a complementary side program organized by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung.
Host Institution or Organization
The Centre for European Policy Studies organizes the program with support from Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union Global Dialogue. CEPS Ideas Lab brings together policymakers, researchers, business leaders, and civil society representatives to discuss European challenges and opportunities. Participation in this event forms part of the Brussels experience, while Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung also arranges additional activities for the selected group.
Scholarship Benefits
The program combines structured training with opportunities for professional exchange. Online masterclasses and skills sessions cover EU climate governance, diplomacy, policy writing, and communication. These activities are designed to deepen participants’ understanding of European climate policymaking while developing practical leadership and professional skills.
During the Brussels week, participants will connect with climate leaders and people working across policy, research, business, and civil society. They will also have opportunities to share their initiatives and engage with the European policy community. Financial support covers travel costs, visa costs, and accommodation for this in-person component.
Participation in Brussels depends on completing the mandatory online program. The online phase runs from December 2026 through February 2027 and is an essential part of the overall learning schedule. Applicants therefore need to consider their availability for both components before applying.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be between 20 and 30 years old and have a strong interest in climate action. They should already be involved in climate policy, advocacy, or entrepreneurship within their communities or countries. Each applicant must also bring a specific initiative rather than relying on interest in the subject alone.
- Have a good command of English for online sessions and activities in Brussels.
- Be available for the online program from December 2026 to February 2027.
- Be available in Brussels from 28 February to 6 March 2027.
- Bring an initiative such as a policy proposal, advocacy campaign, or business venture.
Candidates from all countries may apply. The program particularly welcomes applicants from Albania, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cambodia, Central American countries, Chile, China, Colombia, Georgia, India, Iraq, Israel, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Palestine, Peru, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, and Ukraine. This welcome does not restrict the worldwide eligibility of the opportunity.
Required Documents
A complete application includes an updated CV, a reference letter, and a completed written application questionnaire. The CV and reference letter must be submitted in English. Candidates should prepare these materials together so that their experience, current climate activities, and proposed initiative are presented consistently.
Application Process
Apply through the organizer’s official website and complete the online application questionnaire. The process also requires applicants to send their CV and reference letter in English by email. Use the organizer’s application instructions to identify the submission address before sending these documents.
The email subject line must be Climate Leadership Program – [Full Name], replacing the bracketed text with the applicant’s name. Both the questionnaire and supporting documents must be submitted before the deadline, as only complete applications will be considered. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of November 2026.
Important Dates and Deadline
The application deadline is 10 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. Applicants should distinguish this deadline from the later notification and participation dates when planning their submission. The schedule moves from selection notifications in November to online learning in December, followed by the Brussels activities.
- Application deadline: 10 November 2026, 23:59 CET
- Notification to successful applicants: By the end of November 2026
- Online program: December 2026 to February 2027
- Brussels program: 28 February to 6 March 2027
- CEPS Ideas Lab: 4–5 March 2027
Tips for Applicants
As general preparation advice, convert the CET deadline into your local time and set an earlier personal submission target. This leaves room to review attachments and address technical problems. A checklist can help you track the online questionnaire separately from the documents sent by email.
Contact your referee early and explain the program’s climate leadership focus. Giving them an updated CV and a summary of your initiative may help them describe your work accurately. Before submitting, check names, dates, attachment versions, and the required email subject line.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
As general writing guidance, explain your initiative through a clear account of the issue it addresses, your role, and the work undertaken. Distinguish completed activities from future plans, and use concrete examples where possible. This approach can make your climate engagement easier to understand without exaggerating its reach or results.
Keep your CV and questionnaire consistent while using each document effectively. Your CV can summarize relevant experience, while questionnaire answers can explain the context and purpose of your work. Review your availability carefully so that your application reflects a realistic commitment to the mandatory online phase and Brussels week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can candidates from any country apply?
Yes, applications are open worldwide. The program also particularly welcomes candidates from the countries and regions listed in the eligibility section. Applicants must still meet the age, experience, English, initiative, and availability requirements.
What expenses does the program cover?
The stated funding covers travel, visa, and accommodation costs for the Brussels week. Participants also receive access to the program’s training and professional exchange activities. The in-person schedule includes CEPS Ideas Lab and the complementary Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung side program.
Is completing the online phase necessary?
Yes, attendance during the online phase is mandatory. This component runs from December 2026 to February 2027. Only participants who complete it can proceed to the Brussels activities.
Conclusion
The CEPS Climate Leadership Program 2027 combines climate policy learning, professional skills development, and engagement in Brussels for eight young leaders. It is intended for applicants who already contribute to climate action and can bring a specific initiative to the program. Eligible candidates should prepare a complete application and submit it by 10 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.
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