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Call for Applications – European Union Diplomatic Programme for the Enlargement Region (edition 2027)

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© EUs delegasjon til Norge, 2016

 

The fifth edition of the European Union Diplomatic Programme for the Enlargement Region, designed by the College of Europe in cooperation with Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood of the European Commission is launched.

This flagship initiative aims to strengthen regional cooperation and foster a shared European diplomatic culture among junior diplomats and public officials from the Enlargement Region, while enhancing their expertise in EU affairs, EU accession, and the EU’s external action.

The fifth edition of the programme will take place from 1 February 2027 to 2 July 2027 and will be delivered as a full-time residential programme in Bruges (Belgium). Up to 15 participants from the Enlargement Region (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo*, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine and Türkiye) will be selected.

The programme offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage with EU institutions, benefit from high-level training, and build lasting professional networks with peers from both the Enlargement Region and EU Member States.

Eligibility criteria 

The European Union Diplomatic Programme for the Enlargement Region is open to diplomats/officials of EU candidate countries and potential candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine and Türkiye) that meet the following criteria: 

  • Enjoy full rights as a citizen of the above-mentioned 10 beneficiaries. 

  • Hold the status of either: 

  1. diplomat of one of the beneficiaries who joined the national diplomatic service within the past eight years; or 

  2. official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or another State Ministry or State Institution specialised in EU affairs and/or EU accession/integration, who joined the public service within the past eight years; 

Priority will be given to the application of officials with the status of diplomats. 

  • Be fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference); 

  • Have a level of education that corresponds to completed university studies; 

  • Have professional experience in or knowledge of the EU affairs and EU accession; 

  • Provide an official letter from their employer (MFA or other State Ministries or State Institutions) authorising to participate in the 5-month European Union Diplomatic Programme for the Enlargement Region from 1 February 2027 to 2 July 2027. 

Other Criteria 

  • Knowledge of French is considered an asset. 

In line with the EU goal to promote Gender Balance and foster women’s participation, this call encourages female diplomats and officials to apply.

How to apply 

Candidates who meet the criteria will need to send the following documents by 15 November 2026: 

  1. CV redacted in English of max. 2 pages highlighting relevant professional experience in the field of EU affairs and/or EU accession; 

  2. Motivation letter (max. 1 page); 

  3. Written statement signed by their Head of Department stating that the candidature is endorsed; 

  4. Supporting documents (university diploma and language certificate); 

Applications must be submitted to the following email address: info.eudp@coleurope.eu. Please mention in the subject title in the following format “Application_CallEUDP_Name_Country". 

The applications need to be submitted in English or be accompanied by an English translation – documents or information provided in any other language will not be considered.

Failure to provide supporting document(s) by the date mentioned above may result in 1) a candidate being considered ineligible or 2) in their specific qualifications or experience not being considered.

The deadline for applications is 15 November 2026 (midnight CET).

 

For more information about the call click here.