The Robert Schuman Institute, in cooperation with the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, is happy to announce a call for applications for an important initiative for young individuals (aged 23-35 years), political activists, students, NGOs activists from WB and EaP countries: Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine.
Also, this year we are addressing the critical need for a stronger rule of law in EU candidate countries by focusing on the core pillars of combating corruption, ensuring freedom of the media, minority and gender rights.
• Module 1. / 08-10 May 2026 (07 May arrival; 10 May departure after 3 PM), Warsaw
• Module 2. / 12-14 June 2026 (11 June arrival; 14 June departure after 3 PM), Budapest
• September 2025 tbc, Follow up, via Zoom App
A dynamic seminar series will take place in Warsaw (first module) and Budapest (second module), having interactive discussions and expert-led sessions, building up a deeper understanding of these complex issues. This isn’t just another regular seminar; it’s an opportunity to learn about the EU’s expectations and effective national reforms.
You’ll learn how to identify and combat your country’s most pressing corruption, ensure freedom of the media, minority and gender rights, and deal with electoral integrity issues, and explore practical solutions to address them.
What is it about?
Despite ongoing efforts, many candidate countries still face persistent challenges in combating corruption, upholding media freedom, ensuring minority and gender rights, and safeguarding electoral
integrity. This initiative will directly respond to these fundamental requirements and prepare participants for their country’s successful EU accession.
We are aiming to achieve this by:
• Deepening participants’ understanding of the Rule of Law as the bedrock for EU membership and its integral link to core EU values.
• Offering participants practical tools and actionable strategies for implementing effective reforms in anti-corruption, judicial independence, and public administration.
• Encouraging participants to actively promote and protect human rights, including freedom of expression, independent media, and robust protections for minority and gender equality.
• Promoting peer learning and networking among young political activists, students, and NGO representatives across the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries, creating a supportive community for driving change.
Required documents:
• Completed online form
• Short motivational video (max 1-1,5 minutes) and CV
• Official recommendation letter
What you will gain:
• Deeper understanding of the Rule of Law before becoming an EU member.
• Practical tools for effective anti-corruption reforms.
• Raise capacity to advocate for independent judicial systems.
• Strengthened skills in promoting public transparency and accountability.
• Empowerment to safeguard human rights, media freedom, and journalists.
• Expertise in advocating for minority rights and gender equality protections.
• Improved understanding of promoting fair and honest electoral processes.
• Knowledge sharing on effective governance and accountability mechanisms.
• Facilitated peer learning and networking with regional changemakers.
• Ability to initiate national Rule of Law reforms aligned with EU standards.
Program Highlights
• Expert-led sessions: Deepen your understanding of Rule of Law principles, EU accession criteria (Chapter 23), and vital EU support for legal reforms.
• Practical workshops: Focus on combating public corruption through proven prevention and prosecution strategies, including real case studies.
• Interactive modules: Explore transparency and open government policies, and the institutional architecture driving accountability and participation.
• Democracy Shield initiative: Learn about combating disinformation and safeguarding judicial independence and media freedom.
• Dedicated sessions on fundamental rights: Dive into mechanisms for ensuring judicial independence, protecting freedom of expression, and combating discrimination and minority rights.
• Electoral integrity deep dive: Understand transparent, fair, and honest election processes and learn how to protect voters/votes from electoral fraud.
• Discussions: Engage in vital conversations on the role of youth in democracy and the Rule of Law.
• Civil society engagement: Explore the vital role of civil society in monitoring the Rule of Law
and advocating for EU-driven reforms.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with fellow changemakers and experts from across the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions.
The event aims to bring together up to 18 young individuals (aged 23-35 years), political activists,
students, NGOs activists from WB and EaP countries: Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine, demonstrating proven connection or interest in the topic.
1. Demonstrated interest or engagement in promoting good governance, combating corruption, or strengthening electoral integrity within your country or organization.
2. High-level written and oral proficiency in English (no interpretation will be provided).
3. Born between 1991 and 2003 (approximately aged 23–35 in 2026).
4. Hold a university/college degree or have completed at least four semesters of university studies (proof required).
5. Submit a complete application package, including:
• The online application form
• An official recommendation letter signed by the international secretary of the party
(or equivalent head of the organisation — not from the youth wing)/ NGO
representative/ University Secretariat
• A motivation video outlining your interest in the Rule of Law and this programme
6. Availability for full participation during the entire program.
The organisers will fully cover the costs of both modules:
• Training
• The in-person events costs in Warsaw and Budapest (lectures, full board, and
accommodation in twin-bed rooms)
• The organisers will also cover your international travel to/from Warsaw and Budapest
(Please do not buy any tickets before consulting with us)
What is NOT covered (participants pay themselves):
• Airport transfers in city of departure and arrival
• Travel insurance
• Any personal expenses
Interested applicants should fill in the following online application form by 24 March 2026 (Tuesday), 5 PM (CET)
For more information, feel free to contact our team:
Vladan PAVIC, Project Manager
vladan.pavic@schuman-institute.eu
Karam AL AHMAR, RSI Project Coordinator, European Solidarity Corps Volunteer
projects@schuman-institute.eu