CEPS Young Climate Leaders Programme 2027 in Brussels, Belgium (Fully Funded)

Application deadline: 10 November 2026 · Last updated: 4 November 2026

Do you want to know how climate policy is actually created in Europe and are a young climate activist, researcher or entrepreneur? The CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2027 offers an opportunity for young people from all over the world to gain insights from policy experts from the EU, develop leadership skills and spend a full week in Brussels, the center of EU decision-making, without having to pay a penny.

It is a programme organised by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), one of the leading think tanks in Europe, and the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union. It is a hybrid training that will last from December 2026 to March 2027, beginning with a series of online masterclasses and conclude with the week in Brussels. On 4-5 March 2027, there is a major policy event, the CEPS Ideas Lab, during that week.

The deadline for applying is 10 November 2026.

CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2027: Key Details

The CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2027: Details.

• Organised by: Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union
• Conducted: Online + Brussels, Belgium
• Online Programme: December 2026 – February 2027
• Brussels Week takes place from 28 February to 6 March 2027.Brussels Week is the period 28 February – 6 March 2027.
• CEPS Ideas Lab: 4–5 March 2027
• Age Limit: 20–30 years
• Funding: Fully funded
• Application Deadline: 10 November 2026

About the Organisers of the CEPS Climate Leadership Programme

CEPS is a Brussels-based think tank dedicated to research and debate on EU policy, spanning the fields of climate and energy, economics and digital policy. It hosts the annual Ideas Lab for policy makers, experts and civil society to debate Europe’s greatest challenges.

European Union office of German political foundation Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung on climate, democracy and global justice in Brussels. The two organizations hope to give young climate leaders a true voice in the European policy process.

How the CEPS Climate Leadership Programme Works

CEPS Climate Leadership Programme Phase 1: Online

Phase 1 is an online Programme from December 2026 to February 2027.Phase 1 is Online Programme (December 2026 – February 2027).

Participants attend required online sessions such as:

• Masterclasses on EU climate policy and decision-making
• Professional and leadership skills training.
• Investigate their own climate action project

CEPS Climate Leadership Programme Phase 2: Brussels Week (28 February – 6 March 2027)

The participants go to Brussels for a week of meeting with EU policy makers. They interact with the policy makers, the climate professionals and the researchers, and participate in the CEPS Ideas Lab 2027.

Benefits of the CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2027

• Travel: The travel costs are covered for the travel to and from Brussels.
• Visa Costs: Visa fees are covered.
• Accommodation: During the Brussels programme.
• Online Masterclasses: Expert learning on EU climate policy and leadership.
• CEPS Ideas Lab: Access to Brussels’ top policy event: CEPS Ideas Lab 2027.
• Global Network: Connections with young climate leaders, experts and EU officials.

CEPS Climate Leadership Programme Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

• Be in the age range of 20-30 years.
• Show a strong interest in Climate Action.
• Be involved in climate policy, environmental advocacy or climate entrepreneurship in your country or community already.
• Come with an initiative – a policy proposal, an advocacy campaign, a climate business idea, etc.
• Have a good command of English.
• Attend the required online programme (December 2026 – February 2027).
• Be available to travel to Brussels from 28 February to 6 March 2027.

CEPS Climate Leadership Programme Eligible Countries

Before applying refer to the official application form for the complete list of eligible countries.

Required Documents for the CEPS Climate Leadership Programme

1. Updated CV (in English)
2. Reference letter (in English)
3. Completed written application questionnaire

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How to Apply for the CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2027

1. Ensure that you are eligible, such as age and country.
2. Plan your climate action. Have a clear idea of your policy proposal, campaign or venture ready to explain.
3. Please fill out the online application questionaire from the Apply Now button below.
4. Send a CV and reference letter to the programme organisers (as outlined in the official call).
5. All submission by 10 November 2026. Be sure to register early in case the call closes early.

Tips for a Strong CEPS Climate Leadership Programme Application

Here are a few tips for a strong application:

• Tell your climate story in detail and with authenticity: who is it for, what have you done so far, and what do you hope to do.
• Demonstrate the value of EU policy knowledge to your work back home.
• Get a first-hand reference from a person who has experienced your climate work.
• Be clear, specific and personal in your answers.

Final Thoughts on the CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2027

The Climate Leadership Programme 2027 is an exceptional opportunity for young climate leaders to get to know the EU climate policy and to pitch their ideas in Brussels. The travel arrangement, visa and accommodation are paid for and it is a must do! Make sure you have your initiative and documents ready and submit your application before 10 November 2026.

APPLY NOW FOR THE CEPS CLIMATE LEADERS PROGRAM