Call for Applications

We are pleased to announce that the Robert Schuman Institute (Hungary), Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (Germany), the Eduardo Frei Foundation (the Netherlands), and EDUCATIO: Institute for Development and Training (Lithuania) have opened the application process for our unique series of seminars titled “European future for Belarus: Building advocacy in Brussels”.

Two rounds of seminars will be held in Vilnius and Brussels for the same group of 10 representatives of present or aspiring professionals of democratic Belarusian organizations working in the international field.

Aim of the Project:

Four years after the stolen election in Belarus and two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine we find Belarusian democrats forced into exile fighting for the hearts and minds of the Belarusian population as well as for the interest in the Belarusian cause in the capitals of Western democracies. The main objective of the event is to provide Belarusian political organizations in exile with the capacity to advocate the interests of Belarusian people striving for democratic changes, especially focusing on fruitful EU-Belarus cooperation.

This is to be achieved by providing the participants with knowledge and tools for political advocacy, political communication, international relations, and the principles of the European Union’s functioning. During the meetings, the participants of the series will meet influential European and national politicians and officials as well as establish solid relations with their peers among professionals in pro-democratic Belarusian organizations.

Participants:

10 selected participants have to be active members of pro-democratic political organizations (structures of the democratic forces, political parties, political NGOs), where they are present or aspiring professionals who are working with international partnerships (especially European Union institutions).

Length of the Project:

There are 2 sessions of 3-day seminars.

Seminar I:

April 17 – 20, 2024

Vilnius, Lithuania

Arrival: Evening, April 17

Departure: Afternoon, April 20

Seminar II:

May 21 – 23, 2024

Brussels, Belgium

Arrival: Morning, May 21

Departure: Afternoon, May 23

Working language: English (no interpretation will be provided).

Main topics to be covered:

The common European architecture and its potential role in the future democratization of Belarus
European Union: How its, institutions, processes, and decision-making work
The relations between the European Union and Belarus / Belarusians: Status quo, potentials, limitations, underused opportunities, and way(s) forward, Political Advocacy.

and its toolbox

Advocacy in well-established democracies: How it works
Communicating with international partners
Establishing new contacts and achieving the aims
Coalition building, inter-organization cooperation
Belarus’ interests representation in the EU institutions
Practical training: Protocol and official meetings
European Union Institutions and its corridors: Where, how, and whom to approach?
Meetings in Brussels with high-ranking officials, members of the European Parliament journalists, and representatives of the European Commission, EED, and KAS as well as Belarusian lobbyists in Brussels.

Requirements:

Age 25 – 35 (exceptions may occur upon a strong recommendation from the sending organization)
Active members of pro-democratic political parties/organizations
Proven experience in the current field of work
Interest in international affairs and partnerships, especially principles of functioning of the European Union
Only applicants living outside of Belarus can apply

Important: Attendance of every session of both seminars is mandatory as this is essential for efficient teamwork and achieving the aims of the program.

Online application forms can be found HERE.

Documents to upload include:

CV;
Short motivation video (not more than 2 minutes);
1 letter of reference, signed & printed with official letterhead from the delegating organization, signed by a responsible official. In this letter the organization guarantees

the participation of its delegate in the full length of the series (both courses).

Only complete application packages received before the deadline will be considered.

Deadline for applications: March 29, 2024.

Financial Agreements:

The seminar-related costs – including international travel expenses, lectures, training, meals, and accommodation will be covered by the organizers. The detailed conditions and procedures will be communicated to the selected participants.