Spinelli Forum 2026 – German-Italian Young Leaders Dialogue

Brief Information

Spinelli Forum 2026 is a prestigious German-Italian Young Leaders Dialogue bringing together future leaders to debate Europe’s most pressing challenges. The program combines virtual sessions and a high-level in-person conference in Milan. It offers a unique platform to shape joint policy ideas for the future of the European Union.

Key Dates & Details

• Application Deadline: 01 March 2026 (23:59 CET)
• Program Type: Hybrid (online + in-person)
• Final Conference Location: Milan, Italy
• Kick-off Event: 20 March 2026 (virtual)
• Online Workshops: 27 March & 17 April 2026
• In-Person Conference: 04–06 May 2026
• Organisers: German Federal Foreign Office & Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (with IEP & ISPI)
• Target Group: German & Italian young leaders (25–35)

Overview

Spinelli Forum 2026 is the sixth edition of the German-Italian Young Leaders Dialogue designed to strengthen long-term cooperation between Germany and Italy. The forum gathers emerging leaders from politics, business, academia, civil society, media, and culture to jointly reflect on Europe’s future.

Participants will engage in a carefully structured program including virtual strategy sessions, thematic workshops, and a final in-person conference in Milan. The Milan conference will be held in synergy with the NEXT – Empowering Future Leaders initiative, promoted by ISPI, Bocconi University, and the OECD. As part of the Spinelli Forum 2026 process, participants will also attend plenary sessions of the NEXT Milan Forum at Bocconi University.

A central feature of Spinelli Forum 2026 is its strong policy-oriented approach. Participants work in small groups to exchange German and Italian perspectives, identify shared priorities, and develop concrete policy recommendations. These recommendations are later discussed directly with policymakers from both countries, making the Spinelli Forum 2026 a truly impactful leadership experience.

Thematic Focus Areas

Spinelli Forum 2026 addresses four key European policy areas:

• EU Defence and Security Policy
• EU Trade and Economic Growth
• EU Energy Resilience
• EU Challenges in Artificial Intelligence

Through these themes, Spinelli Forum responds to growing global competition, security concerns, energy challenges, and rapid technological change affecting the EU.

Beyond policy discussions, Spinelli Forum 2026 fosters long-term professional networks, intercultural understanding, and leadership skills essential for shaping collaborative European solutions in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

Eligibility

Applicants to Spinelli Forum 2026 must meet the following criteria:

• German or Italian nationality
• Aged 25–35 years (priority for candidates aged 25–30)
• Background in politics, business, academia, civil society, social sector, media, or culture
• First university degree (BA or MA) or equivalent vocational qualification
• Strong interest or expertise in European cooperation
• Excellent command of English

Application Details

• Deadline: 01 March 2026 (23:59 CET)
• Application Method: Online application form
• Required: Thorough review of the Call for Applications and Evaluation Criteria

Applicants are strongly advised to carefully read all official documents before applying to Spinelli Forum 2026 to understand selection priorities and evaluation standards.

FAQ

Official Link

👉 Apply here for Spinelli Forum 2026:
https://iep-berlin.de/en/projects/germany-and-europe/spinelli-forum/spinelli-forum-call-for-applications-2026/

Additional resources:

• Call for Applications (PDF): https://iep-berlin.de/site/assets/files/4568/cfa_spinelli_forum_2026_upd_06_02.pdf
• Evaluation Criteria (PDF): https://iep-berlin.de/site/assets/files/4568/evaluation_criteria_-_spinelli_2026_upd_19_01.pdf
• Application Platform: https://forms.zohopublic.eu/institutfreuropischepolitikev1/form/SpinelliForum2026/formperma/vUB-23kqOMswg5HKm075eXbNKmZKsFveJeuQVw8NFAA

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