- European Policy Centre
- Brussels, Belgium (Remote)
- Internship/Traineeship
Connecting Europe Fellow
- European Policy Centre
Brussels, Belgium
Internship/Traineeship
Published:
Application Deadline: December 4, 2025
- European Policy Centre
Brussels, Belgium
Internship/Traineeship
Published:
Application Deadline: December 4, 2025
ABOUT EUROPEAN POLICY CENTRE:
European Policy Centre (EPC) is pleased to launch the Connecting Europe Fellowship. This initiative supports two young professionals from EU enlargement countries in advancing their own research while contributing to transnational dialogue on the future of Europe. It also seeks to foster the EPC’s engagement with civil society and think tanks in the region. It is in line with the Connecting Europe’s Thinking Enlarged initiative, which aims to meaningfully involve candidate countries’ perspectives in discussions on the future of Europe.
Each fellow will spend three months in Brussels at the EPC, working on a research project that connects EU enlargement with current policy debates. We invite applications from early to mid-career researchers, think tank professionals or NGO-based researchers from enlargement countries from the Western Balkans, Turkey and the Eastern neighbourhood.
REQUIREMENTS:
A Master’s degree is required. A background in political science, European studies, law, economics or a related field is an asset.
YOUR PROJECT:
As a Connecting Europe Fellow, you will have the chance to conduct independent research in the heart of Brussels. During your stay, you should develop and publish a policy-focused research paper, which should:
We are especially interested in projects that focus on one of the following areas:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming new voices into Europe’s policy debates.
WHAT WE OFFER:
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send the following documents in a single PDF file to cv@epc.eu by 4 December 2025:
Your application documents and the subject line of your email should be formatted in the following way: CEFE_FirstName_LastName. Any applications without this specification will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview.
The EPC is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and particularly encourage applicants from groups of society that are not well represented in Brussels think tanks, Brussels-based civil society or European policy making.
ABOUT CONNECTING EUROPE:
Connecting Europe is a project at the European Policy Centre funded by Stiftung Mercator. Its objective is twofold: To connect civil society organisations with EU decision-makers and to transnationalise EU policy debates.
Established in 2017, Connecting Europe has grown into a network of 65+ organisations, which includes a broad range of research institutes, NGOs, think tanks, network projects and fellowship programmes working across Europe. The project covers topics relevant to the EU policy community as well as to the partner organisations: rule of law and democracy, enlargement, climate change, the digital transformation, as well as the future of EU foreign policy.
Following the motto ‘Thinking Enlarged’, the project will particularly focus on involving civil society organisation from EU candidate countries in the current policy debates in Brussels.
European Policy Centre (EPC) is pleased to launch the Connecting Europe Fellowship. This initiative supports two young professionals from EU enlargement countries in advancing their own research while contributing to transnational dialogue on the future of Europe. It also seeks to foster the EPC’s engagement with civil society and think tanks in the region. It is in line with the Connecting Europe’s Thinking Enlarged initiative, which aims to meaningfully involve candidate countries’ perspectives in discussions on the future of Europe.
Each fellow will spend three months in Brussels at the EPC, working on a research project that connects EU enlargement with current policy debates. We invite applications from early to mid-career researchers, think tank professionals or NGO-based researchers from enlargement countries from the Western Balkans, Turkey and the Eastern neighbourhood.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Early- to mid-career researchers or professionals working in think tanks, universities, civil society organisations (at least one year of experience);
- Residents and nationals of EU enlargement countries, in particular from the Western Balkans, Turkey or Eastern neighbourhood [1]. Nationals residing outside of the enlargement countries eligible should do so only temporarily, for a limited period [2];
- Individuals with a strong interest in European affairs, enlargement policy and interlinked thematic priorities (e.g. climate, digital policy, democracy, foreign policy);
- Applicants with excellent written and spoken English.
A Master’s degree is required. A background in political science, European studies, law, economics or a related field is an asset.
YOUR PROJECT:
As a Connecting Europe Fellow, you will have the chance to conduct independent research in the heart of Brussels. During your stay, you should develop and publish a policy-focused research paper, which should:
- Address an issue where EU policy and enlargement intersect;
- Be relevant to both the EU and your home region;
- Offer practical insights and recommendations for policymakers.
We are especially interested in projects that focus on one of the following areas:
- Rule of law and democratic resilience: Safeguarding judicial independence, media freedom, and civic space in candidate countries;
- Green Deal and climate policy: Aligning environmental goals and climate legislation with the accession process;
- Digital transformation and data governance: Ensuring digital rights, cybersecurity, and digital public infrastructure across borders;
- Foreign policy and strategic alignment: EU enlargement in the context of global power shifts and regional security.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- The working language of the fellowship is English;
- Applicants must have the support and commitment of their employing organisation to participate in the fellowship;
- This fellowship is awarded as a mobility grant to support the fellow’s independent research stay in Brussels. It is not a salary or employment contract, and does not constitute an employer-employee relationship between the fellow and the European Policy Centre;
- The EPC welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds, without discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, religion, or any other status.
We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming new voices into Europe’s policy debates.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Two three-month fellowship positions at the European Policy Centre in Brussels, between February and December 2026;
- A mobility grant of €2.500 per month, to support living expenses during your stay. Travel costs to and from Brussels (at the start/end of the fellowship) will be covered by the programme.
- A chance to pursue an independent research project and publish policy-oriented output;
- Integration into the EPC’s wider work on your chosen theme, offering insight into policy debates and organisational practice;
- Access to Brussels-based stakeholders and decision-makers;
- A working space at the EPC office;
- Support in producing and publishing a policy paper with practical recommendations for the EU and your region. This includes supporting the fellow’s field work in Brussels;
- Opportunities for peer learning, networking, and sustained engagement beyond the fellowship.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send the following documents in a single PDF file to cv@epc.eu by 4 December 2025:
- Your CV (max. 2 pages) and a list of publications;
- A short project proposal (max. 1.000 words), outlining your intended research and its relevance;
- A letter of motivation explaining your interest in the fellowship and how it fits your background;
- The preferred fellowship period (3 months within February and December 2026) you would like to spend in Brussels. This should be mentioned in your email.
Your application documents and the subject line of your email should be formatted in the following way: CEFE_FirstName_LastName. Any applications without this specification will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview.
The EPC is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and particularly encourage applicants from groups of society that are not well represented in Brussels think tanks, Brussels-based civil society or European policy making.
ABOUT CONNECTING EUROPE:
Connecting Europe is a project at the European Policy Centre funded by Stiftung Mercator. Its objective is twofold: To connect civil society organisations with EU decision-makers and to transnationalise EU policy debates.
Established in 2017, Connecting Europe has grown into a network of 65+ organisations, which includes a broad range of research institutes, NGOs, think tanks, network projects and fellowship programmes working across Europe. The project covers topics relevant to the EU policy community as well as to the partner organisations: rule of law and democracy, enlargement, climate change, the digital transformation, as well as the future of EU foreign policy.
Following the motto ‘Thinking Enlarged’, the project will particularly focus on involving civil society organisation from EU candidate countries in the current policy debates in Brussels.
- Eligible are applicants from: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine;
- The EPC can support candidates with their visa applications where applicable.
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