An exciting opportunity for 200 young people from across Europe to participate in the "Young European Security Conference 2026", taking place in Berlin, Germany, on 26-27 February 2026. The selected participants will meet in Berlin to develop, discuss, and share their own ideas and proposals on security policy issues with experts from academia, politics, and civil society. The conference offers free accommodation, vegetarian meals, and travel reimbursement up to 140 euros. This Conference is organised by the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe together with the Hertie Foundation.
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About the YESC 2026
The Young European Security Conference is a security policy education initiative jointly organized by the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe and the Hertie Foundation. From 26 to 27 February 2026, around 200 participants aged 16 to 21 from all over Europe will gather in Berlin. Through diverse working groups, you’ll have the chance to deepen your understanding of current security topics, share ideas, and highlight the issues that matter to you.
Alongside the working group sessions, the program includes engaging activities such as a World Café and interactive discussions with experts. The conference will culminate in a formal closing session, where participants present their group findings and exchange views with distinguished guests.
The Young European Security Conference offers not only an opportunity to expand your knowledge but also to connect with policymakers, specialists, and other young Europeans passionate about security policy.
Eligibility | Who can apply?
- Young people from across Europe aged between 16 and 21 at the time of the event. Please note that participants under 18 can only attend if accompanied by a teacher.
- Participants must have a good level of English, since the conference language is English.
- There is no prior knowledge is required to join the conference.
Expenses and Benefits
- Participants from outside Berlin will be offered free accommodation. You will stay at St Christopher’s Inn Berlin – Alexanderplatz (Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 39-41, 10178 Berlin) in shared rooms with other participants.
- If you wish to stay additional nights, you will need to book and pay for them yourself.
- Breakfast is included for hostel guests, while Berlin participants should eat at home. A vegetarian lunch is provided on Thursday and Friday, with an optional group dinner on Thursday evening. Friday includes a long dinner break before the closing session, where only vegetarian finger food will be served.
- Book your travel only after your participation is confirmed. Participants must arrange and pay for their own travel in advance.
- Reimbursement (up to €140) will be provided only if the trip follows the official travel reimbursement guidelines. After the event, you’ll receive a form to submit your claim. Be sure to keep all receipts and tickets, as reimbursement is only possible with complete documentation.
- If you require a visa to attend the conference, the organizers can provide an invitation letter for your embassy. To request it, email events@schwarzkopf-stiftung.de and include the following details:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Date of issue and expiry
- Issuing authority
- Nationality
- Name, address, and email of the embassy or consulate where the letter should be sent
Timeline
Application deadline: 30 November 2025
Arrival day: Wednesday, 25 February 2026
Conference starts: 26 February 2026
Conference ends: 27 February 2026
Departure day: Saturday, 28 February 2026
How to apply
If you are aged between 16 and 21 and living in a European country, please fill in the online application as soon as possible
More Details
For more details about the opportunity, check the conference webpage on the Schwarzkopf Foundation website from HERE
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