EU:CD Fellowship 2025/2026

The EU Cyber Diplomacy Initiative — EU Cyber Direct announces the launch of the EU:CD Fellowship 2025/2026, the third edition of this flagship programme. 

Running from December 2025 to June 2026, the Fellowship offers a unique, six-month non-residential experience that blends online engagement with two in-person gatherings. Fellows will have the opportunity to pursue research, test ideas in policy settings, and collaborate directly with senior officials and international peers in a Brussels-based EU policy environment.

The EU:CD Fellowship is designed for experts who wish to develop publishable work, test it in a structured setting, and engage peers.

The 2025 edition places particular emphasis on region-to-region cooperation in cyber diplomacy. It invites contributions that connect national perspectives to inter-regional and cross-regional dialogues and policy processes. Within this frame, the Fellows will:

• Discuss salient policy dilemmas;

• Engage with stakeholders at national, regional, and international level;

• Inform domestic and international debates;

• Share their knowledge beyond the cohort through written and spoken contributions.

Core thematic areas that will be covered in the Fellowship include, inter alia:

• Cyber capacity building;

• International cyber stability and responsible State behaviour;

• Human rights in the cyber sphere;

• Cyber resilience and protection of critical infrastructure and critical information infrastructures;

• Governance of emerging and disruptive technologies;

• Hybrid threats;

• Multistakeholder cooperation;

• Science for Cyber Diplomacy.  

Programme Structure

The Fellowship will run from December 2025 to June 2026, and provide Fellows with opportunities for:

• Knowledge Building: Engage in cohort-driven exchanges that highlight diverse regional perspectives, test policy options, and share methods for drafting, speaking and negotiation.  

• Peer Learning: Participate in targeted online sessions on the programme’s core themes, with opportunities to engage directly with senior officials and leading international experts from the EU and its Member States.

• Community Building: Attend two in-person engagements: one in Brussels and one in a second location to be confirmed at the beginning of the Fellowship in line with the shifting international cyber agenda. These provide direct exposure to EU institutions, key stakeholders and inter-regional dialogue.

• Impact Policy-making: At the start of the Fellowship programme, each Fellow submits a short work plan outlining at least two outputs -  one written and one convening - to be developed and complete over the Fellowship period. Outputs may include, inter alia, Track 1.5 engagements and briefings, workshops or webinars, analytical papers, policy briefs, or blog posts. Fellows may also contribute as speakers or moderators at relevant conferences. EU:CD offers editorial guidance, support and platforms for both types of outputs.  

Eligibility

Applications are welcome from all countries outside the EU and EEA. There are no age or seniority restrictions. The Fellowship welcomes candidates at all career stages, from emerging experts to seasoned practitioners, working in government, international organisations, civil society, academia, or private sector. Travel support is provided for all in-person meetings, including flights and accommodation. To provide fellows with flexibility in planning their travel, they are asked to manage their own visa applications.

Candidates should have:

• Demonstrable relevance of cyber and/or digital developments in current work.

• Proven track record in cyber diplomacy or a closely related field.

• Ability to undertake independent, policy-relevant analysis.

• Strong English writing and public speaking skills.

Timeline and Selection

• Applications close on 16 November 2025 (23:59 CET).

• The Fellowship will run from December 2025 to June 2026.

• The EU Cyber Direct team will review all applications, conduct a shortlisting process, and contact selected candidates directly.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae – maximum two pages.

• Motivation Letter – maximum two pages, addressing the following questions: why you consider yourself a strong fit for the Fellowship; your relevant expertise and how you will contribute to EU:CD’s mission in shaping cyber diplomacy; brief descriptions (maximum 150 words each) of your proposed contributions during your Fellowship.

• One for a prospective publication (including a working title).

• One for a prospective webinar you would lead during the Fellowship.