{"id":67460,"date":"2025-11-25T08:45:06","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T08:45:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opportunitiesforyouth.org\/?p=67460"},"modified":"2025-11-25T08:45:06","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T08:45:06","slug":"call-for-applications-join-the-2026-rejuvenating-politics-youth-delegate-programme-by-the-congress-of-local-and-regional-authoritiesfully-funded","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/?p=67460","title":{"rendered":"Call for Applications: Join the 2026 \u201cRejuvenating Politics\u201d Youth Delegate Programme by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities(Fully-funded)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"570\" data-end=\"682\"><strong data-start=\"570\" data-end=\"600\">Deadline: 15 December 2025<\/strong><br data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"603\" \/><strong data-start=\"603\" data-end=\"635\">Location: Strasbourg, France<\/strong><br data-start=\"635\" data-end=\"638\" \/><strong data-start=\"638\" data-end=\"682\">Programme Duration: March \u2013 October 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"684\" data-end=\"1139\">The <strong data-start=\"688\" data-end=\"759\">Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe<\/strong> is inviting motivated young people aged <strong data-start=\"800\" data-end=\"809\">18\u201330<\/strong> to apply for the prestigious <strong data-start=\"839\" data-end=\"897\">2026 edition of the \u201cRejuvenating Politics\u201d initiative<\/strong>. This unique opportunity allows young leaders from across 46 European member States to directly engage with local and regional decision-makers, take part in high-level political debates, and implement their own grassroots projects back home.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1141\" data-end=\"1327\">If you&#8217;re passionate about democracy, youth participation, and political engagement, this programme offers one of the most impactful international youth leadership experiences in Europe.<\/p>\n<h1 data-start=\"1334\" data-end=\"1387\"><strong data-start=\"1336\" data-end=\"1387\">What Is the \u201cRejuvenating Politics\u201d Initiative?<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"1389\" data-end=\"1727\">Launched to amplify youth voices in European governance, <strong data-start=\"1446\" data-end=\"1473\">\u201cRejuvenating Politics\u201d<\/strong> integrates young people directly into the work of the Congress\u2014beyond simply observing. Since 2014, youth delegates have taken active roles in debates, contributed to policy discussions, and built local projects that strengthen democratic participation.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1729\" data-end=\"1877\">The initiative aligns with the Congress\u2019s mission to promote local and regional democracy, good governance, and citizen participation across Europe.<\/p>\n<h1 data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"1922\"><strong data-start=\"1886\" data-end=\"1922\">What Does the Programme Involve?<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"1924\" data-end=\"2063\">The 2026 youth delegate cycle includes <strong data-start=\"1963\" data-end=\"1989\">two mandatory sessions<\/strong> held in Strasbourg, plus a project implementation phase between sessions.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2065\" data-end=\"2131\"><strong data-start=\"2068\" data-end=\"2131\">1. Participate as a Youth Delegate in Two Congress Sessions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"2175\" data-end=\"2209\">Youth delegates will take part in:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2211\" data-end=\"2429\">\n<li data-start=\"2211\" data-end=\"2319\">\n<p data-start=\"2213\" data-end=\"2319\"><strong data-start=\"2213\" data-end=\"2230\">50th Session:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"2231\" data-end=\"2256\">31 March \u2013 2 April 2026<\/em><br data-start=\"2256\" data-end=\"2259\" \/>(Arrival 28 March, 19:00 \u00b7 Departure 2 April, after 17:00)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2321\" data-end=\"2429\">\n<p data-start=\"2323\" data-end=\"2429\"><strong data-start=\"2323\" data-end=\"2340\">51st Session:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"2341\" data-end=\"2361\">27\u201329 October 2026<\/em><br data-start=\"2361\" data-end=\"2364\" \/>(Arrival 24 October, 19:00 \u00b7 Departure 29 October, after 17:00)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2431\" data-end=\"2466\">Activities during sessions include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2468\" data-end=\"2679\">\n<li data-start=\"2468\" data-end=\"2523\">\n<p data-start=\"2470\" data-end=\"2523\">Sitting in the hemicycle alongside Congress members<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2524\" data-end=\"2574\">\n<p data-start=\"2526\" data-end=\"2574\">Joining debates and discussing thematic issues<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2575\" data-end=\"2624\">\n<p data-start=\"2577\" data-end=\"2624\">Attending preparatory and evaluation meetings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2625\" data-end=\"2679\">\n<p data-start=\"2627\" data-end=\"2679\">Networking with elected officials and policymakers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2681\" data-end=\"2853\">Candidates must possess <strong data-start=\"2705\" data-end=\"2763\">strong public speaking, analytical, and writing skills<\/strong>, as preparatory days require active engagement with policy documents and session agendas.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2860\" data-end=\"2916\"><strong data-start=\"2863\" data-end=\"2916\">2. Develop a Grassroots Project in Your Community<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2918\" data-end=\"3097\">Between April and September 2026, youth delegates design and implement a <strong data-start=\"2991\" data-end=\"3023\">local or regional initiative<\/strong> inspired by Congress priorities or session debates. Projects may include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3099\" data-end=\"3277\">\n<li data-start=\"3099\" data-end=\"3127\">\n<p data-start=\"3101\" data-end=\"3127\">Conferences or workshops<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3128\" data-end=\"3172\">\n<p data-start=\"3130\" data-end=\"3172\">Digital tools (apps, podcasts, websites)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3173\" data-end=\"3205\">\n<p data-start=\"3175\" data-end=\"3205\">School or community outreach<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3206\" data-end=\"3235\">\n<p data-start=\"3208\" data-end=\"3235\">Local awareness campaigns<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3236\" data-end=\"3277\">\n<p data-start=\"3238\" data-end=\"3277\">Creative media or youth-led dialogues<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3279\" data-end=\"3405\">Delegates receive <strong data-start=\"3297\" data-end=\"3337\">mentorship from experienced trainers<\/strong>, including idea development, project design, and progress feedback.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3407\" data-end=\"3471\">While the Congress does not fund projects directly, it provides:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3473\" data-end=\"3596\">\n<li data-start=\"3473\" data-end=\"3506\">\n<p data-start=\"3475\" data-end=\"3506\">Official introduction letters<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3507\" data-end=\"3548\">\n<p data-start=\"3509\" data-end=\"3548\">Access to relevant Congress materials<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3549\" data-end=\"3596\">\n<p data-start=\"3551\" data-end=\"3596\">Visibility and opportunities for engagement<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"3603\" data-end=\"3657\"><strong data-start=\"3606\" data-end=\"3657\">3. Additional Opportunities Throughout the Year<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3659\" data-end=\"3707\">Selected youth delegates may also be invited to:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3709\" data-end=\"3913\">\n<li data-start=\"3709\" data-end=\"3740\">\n<p data-start=\"3711\" data-end=\"3740\">Congress committee meetings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3741\" data-end=\"3793\">\n<p data-start=\"3743\" data-end=\"3793\">Seminars and conferences in Strasbourg or abroad<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3848\">\n<p data-start=\"3796\" data-end=\"3848\">Events organised by other Council of Europe bodies<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3849\" data-end=\"3913\">\n<p data-start=\"3851\" data-end=\"3913\">External partner events where youth representation is needed<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1 data-start=\"3920\" data-end=\"3975\"><strong data-start=\"3922\" data-end=\"3975\">Why Apply? Key Benefits of Being a Youth Delegate<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"3977\" data-end=\"4055\">This highly competitive programme offers exceptional opportunities, including:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4057\" data-end=\"4434\">\n<li data-start=\"4057\" data-end=\"4122\">\n<p data-start=\"4059\" data-end=\"4122\"><strong data-start=\"4059\" data-end=\"4120\">Direct participation in international political processes<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4123\" data-end=\"4191\">\n<p data-start=\"4125\" data-end=\"4191\"><strong data-start=\"4125\" data-end=\"4189\">Networking with elected officials from 46 European countries<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4192\" data-end=\"4237\">\n<p data-start=\"4194\" data-end=\"4237\"><strong data-start=\"4194\" data-end=\"4235\">Mentorship and leadership development<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4238\" data-end=\"4284\">\n<p data-start=\"4240\" data-end=\"4284\"><strong data-start=\"4240\" data-end=\"4282\">Hands-on project management experience<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4285\" data-end=\"4362\">\n<p data-start=\"4287\" data-end=\"4362\"><strong data-start=\"4287\" data-end=\"4360\">Strengthened skills in public speaking, advocacy, and policy analysis<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4363\" data-end=\"4434\">\n<p data-start=\"4365\" data-end=\"4434\"><strong data-start=\"4365\" data-end=\"4432\">A platform to amplify youth perspectives in European governance<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1 data-start=\"4441\" data-end=\"4484\"><strong data-start=\"4443\" data-end=\"4484\">Eligibility Criteria (Who Can Apply?)<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"4486\" data-end=\"4502\">Applicants must:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4504\" data-end=\"4937\">\n<li data-start=\"4504\" data-end=\"4550\">\n<p data-start=\"4506\" data-end=\"4550\">Be <strong data-start=\"4509\" data-end=\"4528\">18\u201330 years old<\/strong> on 31 December 2025<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4551\" data-end=\"4624\">\n<p data-start=\"4553\" data-end=\"4624\">Live in and hold a passport from a <strong data-start=\"4588\" data-end=\"4622\">Council of Europe member State<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4625\" data-end=\"4682\">\n<p data-start=\"4627\" data-end=\"4682\">Be actively engaged in youth work or civic activities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4683\" data-end=\"4729\">\n<p data-start=\"4685\" data-end=\"4729\">Be committed to <strong data-start=\"4701\" data-end=\"4727\">intercultural teamwork<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4730\" data-end=\"4758\">\n<p data-start=\"4732\" data-end=\"4758\">Be fluent in <strong data-start=\"4745\" data-end=\"4756\">English<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4759\" data-end=\"4812\">\n<p data-start=\"4761\" data-end=\"4812\">Demonstrate strong writing and speaking abilities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4813\" data-end=\"4870\">\n<p data-start=\"4815\" data-end=\"4870\">Be available for <strong data-start=\"4832\" data-end=\"4860\">ALL programme activities<\/strong> in 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4871\" data-end=\"4937\">\n<p data-start=\"4873\" data-end=\"4937\">Have an interest in local\/regional governance and policymaking<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4939\" data-end=\"4963\">Applicants must <strong data-start=\"4955\" data-end=\"4962\">not<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4965\" data-end=\"5070\">\n<li data-start=\"4965\" data-end=\"4995\">\n<p data-start=\"4967\" data-end=\"4995\">Be elected representatives<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4996\" data-end=\"5070\">\n<p data-start=\"4998\" data-end=\"5070\">Have previously participated in the \u201cRejuvenating Politics\u201d initiative<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1 data-start=\"5077\" data-end=\"5102\"><strong data-start=\"5079\" data-end=\"5102\">Application Process<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"5104\" data-end=\"5137\">To apply, candidates must submit:<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5139\" data-end=\"5175\"><strong data-start=\"5143\" data-end=\"5173\">1. Online Application Form<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5176\" data-end=\"5288\">Provide detailed information on your experience, motivation, and interest in youth participation and governance.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5290\" data-end=\"5320\"><strong data-start=\"5294\" data-end=\"5318\">2. A 30-Second Video<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5321\" data-end=\"5505\">This video is <strong data-start=\"5335\" data-end=\"5362\">not a self-introduction<\/strong>.<br data-start=\"5363\" data-end=\"5366\" \/>Applicants must answer the specific question listed on the application form.<br data-start=\"5442\" data-end=\"5445\" \/>The video must remain accessible until <strong data-start=\"5484\" data-end=\"5504\">27 February 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5507\" data-end=\"5552\"><strong data-start=\"5511\" data-end=\"5552\">Deadline: 23:59 CET, 15 December 2025<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5554\" data-end=\"5714\">A selection panel\u2014including Congress leadership, youth trainers, and members of the Advisory Council on Youth\u2014will select a <strong data-start=\"5678\" data-end=\"5713\">gender-balanced, diverse cohort<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5716\" data-end=\"5777\">Selected applicants will be notified by <strong data-start=\"5756\" data-end=\"5776\">10 February 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h1 data-start=\"5784\" data-end=\"5822\"><strong data-start=\"5786\" data-end=\"5822\">Expenses, Travel &amp; Accommodation<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul data-start=\"5824\" data-end=\"6067\">\n<li data-start=\"5824\" data-end=\"5916\">\n<p data-start=\"5826\" data-end=\"5916\">Travel and subsistence costs are <strong data-start=\"5859\" data-end=\"5876\">fully covered<\/strong> according to Council of Europe rules.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5917\" data-end=\"5996\">\n<p data-start=\"5919\" data-end=\"5996\">Accommodation in Strasbourg will be provided in <strong data-start=\"5967\" data-end=\"5993\">single or shared rooms<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5997\" data-end=\"6067\">\n<p data-start=\"5999\" data-end=\"6067\">Delegates must stay in the accommodation arranged by the organisers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1 data-start=\"6074\" data-end=\"6092\"><strong data-start=\"6076\" data-end=\"6092\">How to Apply<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"6094\" data-end=\"6203\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forms.office.com\/Pages\/ResponsePage.aspx?id=grBJPtViSUilsIbtUZKH0oX6tS_3E7JEtAQQivdgufBUOU1PN1dIR1RYRDJaQTMwSDdXQlJZS1ZCSi4u\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\ud83d\udc49 <strong data-start=\"6097\" data-end=\"6154\">Click here to complete the official application form.\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><br data-start=\"6154\" data-end=\"6157\" \/>\ud83d\udce7 <strong data-start=\"6160\" data-end=\"6178\">For questions:<\/strong> <a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"6179\" data-end=\"6201\">congress.youth@coe.int<\/a><\/p>\n<h1 data-start=\"6210\" data-end=\"6244\"><strong data-start=\"6212\" data-end=\"6244\">Why This Opportunity Matters<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"6246\" data-end=\"6387\">Youth participation is essential to strengthening democracy across Europe. By becoming a Congress youth delegate, you contribute directly to:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"6389\" data-end=\"6537\">\n<li data-start=\"6389\" data-end=\"6420\">\n<p data-start=\"6391\" data-end=\"6420\">More inclusive policymaking<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6421\" data-end=\"6451\">\n<p data-start=\"6423\" data-end=\"6451\">Intergenerational dialogue<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6452\" data-end=\"6496\">\n<p data-start=\"6454\" data-end=\"6496\">Stronger youth-led democratic engagement<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"6497\" data-end=\"6537\">\n<p data-start=\"6499\" data-end=\"6537\">Better local and regional governance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"6539\" data-end=\"6682\">If you\u2019re passionate about creating positive change in your community and shaping the future of democracy in Europe, this programme is for you.<\/p>\n<p><b>Full details and link to application form:<\/b>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/rm.coe.int\/call-for-applicants-2026-yd-en\/4880293c57\">Call for applications<\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>Contact:\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/mail.google.com\/mail\/?view=cm&amp;fs=1&amp;tf=1&amp;to=congress.youth@coe.int&amp;su=Call%20for%20candidates%20-%202026%20youth%20delegates%20programme\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Table Office<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>======================================<\/p>\n<p><strong>You may also be interested in this Fully Funded Opportunity in Brussels \ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Applications are open for Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) 2026 \u2014 a fully funded youth participation programme taking place on 19\u201320 March 2026.<\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udd17 Apply: https:\/\/wp.me\/p23f03-h5r<\/p>\n<p>\u2705 Open to:<br \/>\n\u2022 Secondary school students with a teacher<br \/>\n\u2022 Young adults active in student groups or youth-led initiatives<\/p>\n<p>\u2708\ufe0f Fully Funded:<br \/>\n\u2022 Return travel<br \/>\n\u2022 Accommodation in Brussels<br \/>\n(covered by the EESC)<\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udcc5 Deadline: 30 November 2025<br \/>\n\ud83d\udd17 Apply: https:\/\/wp.me\/p23f03-h5r<\/p>\n<p>Know someone who should apply? Tag them, share, or save this post for later.<\/p>\n<p>For more fully funded opportunities for youth across Europe, visit:<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/?s=Europe<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Deadline: 15 December 2025Location: Strasbourg, FranceProgramme Duration: March \u2013 October 2026 The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe is inviting motivated young people aged 18\u201330 to apply for the prestigious 2026 edition of the \u201cRejuvenating Politics\u201d initiative. This unique opportunity allows young leaders from across 46 European member States to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":67463,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[30,33],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-67460","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-conferences","8":"category-europe","9":"article","10":"","12":"has-excerpt","13":"has-avatar","14":"has-author","15":"has-nickname","16":"has-date","17":"has-comment-count","18":"has-category-meta","19":"has-read-more","20":"has-title","21":"has-post-media","22":"thumbnail-","23":"has-tfm-share-icons"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67460","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=67460"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67460\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=67460"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=67460"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=67460"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}