Deadline: June 24, 2022
Applications are open for the German Italian Young Leaders Dialogue – Spinelli Forum 2022. The German Italian Young –Leaders Dialogue – Spinelli Forum is a join initiative of the German Federal Foreign Office and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in partnership with the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) and the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI).
It offers a future generation of Italian and German leaders in the fields of politics, business, academia, civil society, media, and culture the opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by the German-Italian partnership as it shapes the future of the European Union (EU).
They are looking for young Italian and German candidates who would like to take part in the second edition of this dialogue format, which will consist of two online workshops (to be scheduled in September) and a final in-person two-day conference which will take place in Milan from October 14-15, 2022. Participants will have the unique opportunity to discuss relevant issues concerning the future of the EU and relations between the two countries in a stimulating environment, as well as to become the first members of a lasting network of German and Italian young leaders.
Thematic Focus
The EU and its member states face an increasing number of challenges that require close cooperation at the European level, as shown by the Russian aggression against Ukraine and its consequences for Europe and the world.
These challenges include fulfilling and preserving the promise of prosperity to the benefit of all European citizens, securing the global competitiveness of European economies, successfully transforming European economies to adapt to climate change and the digital revolution, and enhancing European security in the context of increasing geopolitical competition. As close partners and founding members of the EU, both Germany and Italy are key to advancing European cooperation to meet them.
In four working groups shops, participants will discuss important aspects of the EU’s internal and external capacity to act from a German and Italian perspective. They will discuss differences in perception in order to reach a better understanding of the respective position and to identify synergies and priorities. Finally, they will develop policy proposals for joint European action.
These four workshops are:
- European Foreign and Security Policy
- New European stability and growth pact
- Technology and Digitization in Europe
- A European Green Deal and the challenges of the energy transition
Cost
- Travel expenses and accommodation will be covered by the organizers.
Eligibility
- Applications should be aged between 25 and 35 years;
- Have first university degree (BA or MA) or equivalent vocational qualification;
- Strong interest/expertise in European cooperation, particularly in the fields of foreign policy, economics, or social and climate policy (see the selection criteria for details);
- Excellent command of English.
N.B.
- The participation in the in-person conference in Milan is compulsory. The participation in the preliminary online workshops is also strongly recommended, being preparatory to the final conference.
- Should a participant be unable to attend the conference at the last moment for health or professional reasons, this must be presented to the organizers with a written justification (e.g. medical certificate).
Application
Applications will only be accepted via e-mail and should include the following information:
- A completed application form
- A CV (max. two pages, including information on the applicant’s education and relevant work experience)
- A short video (3 minutes max) to introduce the candidate and his/her motivation to take part in the German-Italian Young Leaders Dialogue – Spinelli Forum;
- Letter of motivation describing what the EU should prioritize in one of these fields and how your country could contribute to this end:
- European Foreign and Security Policy
- New European stability and growth pact
- Technology and Digitization in Europe
- A European Green Deal and the challenges of the energy transition
For more information, visit Spinelli Forum.
