Green Foreign Policy Fellowship 2025–2026 : Are you passionate about climate change, international relations, and global policy? If so, the Green Foreign Policy Fellowship 2025–2026 might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Offered by the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Thessaloniki Office, this prestigious fellowship is designed to empower the next generation of thought leaders in green foreign and security policy.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, PhD student, or seasoned professional, this program offers the tools, resources, and network to amplify your voice on the global stage. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the fellowship: from eligibility and application requirements to benefits and practical advice for submitting a standout application.
We also explore the greater significance of green foreign policy in a world facing ecological crises and offer insight into how this opportunity can influence your career path and the policy landscape itself.
Green Foreign Policy Fellowship 2025–2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Duration | July 2025 – May 2026 |
| Application Deadline | May 31, 2025 (18:00 EET) |
| Stipend | €6,000 (gross) |
| Location | Thessaloniki, Greece (with virtual elements) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree or higher; open to all nationalities |
| Language | English (working language) |
| Official Website | gr.boell.org |
The Green Foreign Policy Fellowship 2025–2026 is more than an academic endeavor—it’s a launchpad for changemakers. With robust financial backing, world-class mentorship, and a supportive international network, this program enables you to contribute meaningfully to one of the most critical policy debates of our time.
Whether you dream of influencing climate negotiations, publishing influential policy papers, or shaping the future of environmental governance, this fellowship can serve as your stepping stone.
What Is the Green Foreign Policy Fellowship?
The Green Foreign Policy Fellowship is a 10-month academic and professional development program focused on exploring foreign and security policy through a sustainable and environmental lens. It supports innovative thinking that links ecological concerns with diplomatic action and security cooperation.
Hosted by the Heinrich Böll Foundation, a globally respected institution with deep roots in political ecology and human rights, the fellowship gathers scholars, researchers, and practitioners to engage in high-level research, collaboration, and advocacy on pressing issues such as climate migration, resource-based conflicts, and international climate treaties.
Through tailored activities, fellows will enhance their expertise in areas such as:
- Climate diplomacy and soft power
- Policy writing and stakeholder engagement
- Environmental peacebuilding
- Conflict-sensitive development planning
They will work closely with mentors, policy experts, and like-minded peers in a structured setting that encourages personal growth and policy impact.
Why It Matters: The Urgency of Green Foreign Policy
Climate change is more than melting glaciers or rising temperatures—it’s a global multiplier of risk. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), over 200 million people may be displaced due to climate-related factors by 2050.
Such changes are already stressing the geopolitical balance, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure or political stability. The war in Ukraine and its ripple effects on global energy markets highlight how environmental factors and international politics are deeply intertwined.
Green foreign policy aims to respond to these challenges by integrating sustainability principles into foreign relations, peace negotiations, and development cooperation. Fellows in this program will be addressing questions like:
- How can international agreements be made more environmentally resilient?
- What diplomatic strategies support a fair global energy transition?
- How can small and medium-sized countries influence green multilateralism?
Fellowship Benefits and Opportunities
Joining this fellowship offers multiple personal and professional rewards:
Financial Support: €6,000 Stipend
Fellows receive a €6,000 gross stipend, paid during the first half of the program. This funding is meant to offset living expenses and enable participants to dedicate time to research and policy production.
Travel, Accommodation, and Logistics
The fellowship covers travel and accommodation costs for mandatory in-person events. This ensures inclusivity, regardless of economic background.
Visa Support and Legal Aid
International fellows are supported with official invitation letters, facilitating visa issuance and compliance with residency requirements in Greece or the Schengen Area.
Structured Learning and Mentorship
Participants gain access to mentorship sessions, research methodology workshops, and policy brief writing seminars. These are designed to sharpen both academic and practical competencies.
Professional Network Expansion
Graduates are welcomed into the Green Foreign Policy Scholar Network, a growing community of policymakers, NGO leaders, academics, and activists across Europe and the Global South. This opens doors to speaking opportunities, publications, and joint initiatives.
How to Apply For Green Foreign Policy Fellowship 2025–2026
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, ensure you meet the following criteria:
- Minimum bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., political science, environmental law, international studies)
- Proven interest in or experience with global policy, advocacy, or environmental science
- Proficiency in English, the program’s working language
Step 2: Gather and Prepare Your Documents
You’ll need to submit:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) in Europass format (3 pages max)
- A Motivation Letter (300 words max), describing your passion, goals, and the program’s relevance to your trajectory
- A Concept Note (up to 2 pages) that:
- Identifies a current challenge in green foreign policy
- Proposes a viable solution or research direction
- Explains your methodology or strategic approach
Step 3: Submit Through the Official Portal
Applications must be sent no later than May 31, 2025, at 18:00 EET.
Visit the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s application page to begin the process.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Tips for a Standout Application
Tell a Story with Your Experience
Showcase how your previous work or education has prepared you for this opportunity. Use vivid examples to describe projects or challenges you tackled.
Demonstrate a Clear Vision
What do you hope to accomplish during the fellowship? Be specific about your goals and the real-world impact you want to create.
Cite Facts and References
Add credibility by citing relevant data or linking to your published work, policy reports, blogs, or op-eds.
Emphasize Multidisciplinary Thinking
Highlight how your approach crosses traditional boundaries—combining, say, environmental science with conflict resolution, or legal frameworks with grassroots activism.
Real-World Example: Former Fellow’s Impact
Maria Georgiou, a 2023 alumna from Cyprus, used her fellowship to explore the link between climate-induced migration and maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean. Her work culminated in a widely-circulated policy brief that was presented at the European Green Party Conference.
Today, Maria works with the UNHCR, where she advises on climate mobility frameworks and regional collaboration strategies. Her story exemplifies how this fellowship can lead to both academic recognition and high-impact career opportunities.
Applying for an H-1B in 2025? These Game-Changing Updates Could Affect Your Chances
Rappler Scholarship 2025 At One Young World — Check Who Can Apply
FAQs About Green Foreign Policy Fellowship 2025–2026
Who can apply for the Green Foreign Policy Fellowship?
Anyone with at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a passion for climate diplomacy, sustainable development, or international security.
Is the fellowship fully remote?
No, although some elements may be conducted online, in-person attendance for core events in Thessaloniki is required.
Is there an age limit?
There is no formal age limit. The fellowship values diversity of experience and background.
Do I need to be an EU citizen to apply?
No. This opportunity is open to all nationalities.
How competitive is the fellowship?
It is selective, but not restricted to academics or experts. Those with clear, creative, and actionable ideas are encouraged to apply.
Can I apply if I work full-time?
Yes, but you should be prepared to manage your time effectively, as some fellowship events may occur during work hours or require travel.
