Green Foreign Policy Fellowship 2025/2026 – €6,000 (gross)

The Green Foreign Policy Fellowship 2025/2026 by the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Thessaloniki Office offers a €6,000 stipend for scholars and practitioners to advance progressive foreign and security policy. Apply by May 31, 2025.

The Green Foreign Policy Fellowship 2025/2026, launched by the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Thessaloniki Office, is a pioneering opportunity for scholars, practitioners, and experts worldwide to develop innovative, green approaches to foreign and security policy. Running from July 2025 to May 2026, this fully funded fellowship provides a €6,000 stipend, travel support, and access to a global network of progressive thinkers.

Focused on themes like feminist foreign policy, climate diplomacy, and decolonial trade, the program aims to challenge traditional realist frameworks and advance sustainable, inclusive solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This guide details the fellowship’s eligibility, benefits, expectations, and application process, offering a roadmap for applicants to join this transformative initiative.

Key Takeaways

• The Green Foreign Policy Fellowship 2025/2026 supports innovative research in progressive foreign and security policy.
• Offers a €6,000 stipend, travel support, and membership in the Heinrich Böll Foundation Thessaloniki Alumni Network.
• Open to scholars, practitioners, and policy professionals globally, with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
• Applications require a CV, motivation letter, and concept note, due by May 31, 2025, with early submissions by May 15, 2025 prioritized.

What Is the Green Foreign Policy Fellowship?

A Platform for Progressive Policy Innovation

Hosted by the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Thessaloniki Office, the Green Foreign Policy Fellowship 2025/2026 is a global initiative to foster critical discussions and develop alternatives to traditional realist approaches in international relations.

The program, running from July 2025 to May 2026, supports up to 10 fellows in producing new material and codifying data to advance green foreign and security policy.

Key focus areas include feminist foreign policy, climate diplomacy, human security, the responsibility to protect, and decolonial approaches to trade and resources. Fellows engage in research, attend relevant events, and connect with a global network of progressive thinkers.

Program Structure

• Duration: July 2025 – May 2026.
  • First Semester (July–December 2025): Focus on producing articles, papers, or other materials.
  • Second Semester (January–May 2026): Present work, attend networking events, and engage in policy discussions.
• Location: Primarily remote, with travel to Thessaloniki or other relevant locations for events, supported by the Foundation.
• Certification: Fellows earn the title of Green Foreign Policy Scholar and join the Thessaloniki Alumni Network.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship welcomes a diverse range of applicants, including:

• Academic Background: Students, researchers, or young graduates with a bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, or related fields (e.g., sociology, law, or environmental studies).
• Professional Background: Policy advisors, elected officials, or professionals in foreign and security policy, including practitioners or current/prospective PhD students.
• Global Reach: Open to candidates from all continents, with no geographic restrictions.
• Diversity Focus: Strong encouragement for applications from women, BIPOC, LGBTQI+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
• Language Requirement: Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory, as all activities are conducted in English.

Pro Tip: Highlight your alignment with green values (e.g., sustainability, human rights, or gender equality) to strengthen your application.

Benefits of the Green Foreign Policy Fellowship

Financial and Professional Support

• Stipend: €6,000 (gross), disbursed in installments during the first semester (July–December 2025).
• Travel and Visa Support: The Foundation covers travel costs for fellowship-related events and provides visa invitation letters (note: visa processing times are not guaranteed).
• Visibility: Fellows’ profiles and work are promoted on the Foundation’s social media, website, and other channels to amplify their impact.
• Networking: Access to a global network of progressive thinkers and policymakers, with opportunities to attend high-profile events.
• Alumni Network: Join the Heinrich Böll Foundation Thessaloniki Alumni Network as a Green Foreign Policy Scholar for ongoing collaboration.

Responsibilities

Fellows are expected to:

• Develop an Analytical Strategy: Outline research goals and methodologies in a concept note.
• Produce Materials: Create articles, policy papers, or other outputs during the first semester.
• Submit Monthly Progress Reports: Document research progress and challenges.
• Engage on Social Media: Share insights and updates via the Foundation’s channels (e.g., X, LinkedIn) to amplify findings.
• Attend Events: Participate in workshops, conferences, or networking sessions, with travel supported by the Foundation.

How to Apply for Green Foreign Policy Fellowship

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Required Documents:
   • CV: Use the Europass format, maximum 3 pages, detailing academic and professional experience.
   • Motivation Letter: Maximum 300 words, explaining why the fellowship aligns with your goals and how you’ll contribute to green foreign policy.
   • Concept Note: Maximum 2 pages, outlining the biggest challenge you aim to tackle in green foreign policy (e.g., climate diplomacy, feminist foreign policy) and your proposed approach.
2. Submit Application:
   • Apply via the EU Survey portal: Green Foreign Policy Fellowship Application.
   • Ensure all documents are uploaded in PDF format.
3. Application Deadline: May 31, 2025, 18:00 EET (GMT+3). Early applications by May 15, 2025, are prioritized.
4. Selection Process:
   • Applications are reviewed by a selection committee based on academic merit, professional relevance, and the quality of the concept note.
   • Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a brief online interview in June 2025.
   • Outcomes are announced by late June 2025.

Pro Tip: In your concept note, focus on a specific issue (e.g., human security or decolonial trade) and propose actionable, innovative solutions to stand out.

Why Choose the Green Foreign Policy Fellowship?

A Global Leader in Green Policy

The Heinrich Böll Foundation, affiliated with the German Green Party, operates in 35 countries and promotes socio-ecological transformation, human rights, and gender equality. Its Thessaloniki Office is a hub for advancing green foreign policy, leveraging partnerships with the Green European Foundation and global networks to drive progressive change.

Unique Opportunities

• Innovative Research: Develop alternatives to realist international relations, addressing pressing issues like climate diplomacy or feminist foreign policy.
• Global Networking: Connect with scholars, policymakers, and activists worldwide.
• Impactful Visibility: Amplify your work through the Foundation’s platforms and events.
• Professional Growth: Gain recognition as a Green Foreign Policy Scholar and access long-term career opportunities.

Tips for a Successful Application

Craft a Compelling Concept Note

• Identify a Clear Challenge: Focus on a specific green foreign policy issue (e.g., climate diplomacy or human rights in trade).
• Propose Innovative Solutions: Outline practical, progressive approaches grounded in research or practice.
• Align with Green Values: Emphasize sustainability, equity, or non-violence in your proposal.

Strengthen Your Motivation Letter

• Be Concise: Keep it under 300 words, focusing on your passion for green foreign policy.
• Show Relevance: Link your background to the fellowship’s objectives and the Foundation’s mission.
• Highlight Impact: Explain how the fellowship will advance your career and contribute to global policy discussions.

Apply Early

• Early submissions by May 15, 2025, are prioritized, increasing your chances of consideration before the final deadline of May 31, 2025.

Conclusion

The Green Foreign Policy Fellowship 2025/2026 by the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Thessaloniki Office is a transformative opportunity for scholars, practitioners, and policy professionals to shape the future of progressive foreign and security policy. With a €6,000 stipend, travel support, and access to a global network, fellows will drive innovative solutions to global challenges like climate diplomacy and feminist foreign policy.

Apply by May 31, 2025, via the EU Survey portal, and join a growing community of Green Foreign Policy Scholars advancing a sustainable, equitable world.

FAQs About the Green Foreign Policy Fellowship