Deadline: July 25, 2025
Applications are open for the 5th German Italian Young Leaders Dialogue – Spinelli Forum 2025. The German Italian Young Leaders Dialogue – Spinelli Forum is a joint initiative of the German Federal Foreign Office and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in partnership with the Institute for European Politics (IEP) 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 fifth edition of this dialogue format, which will consist of a virtual kick-off event (scheduled for 19 September 2025), two online workshops (scheduled in the afternoons of 6 October and 21 October 2025) and a final in-person two-day conference which will take place in Berlin on 27 and 28 October 2025. 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 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. These challenges include fulfilling and preserving the promise of prosperity to the benefit of all European citizens, securing the global competitiveness of European economies, successful transformation to adapt to climate change and the digital revolution, and enhancing European defence and security in the context of increasing global crises. 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, 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 working groups are:
- European Economic Growth and Social Cohesion
- European Defence and Security Policy
- European Climate and Energy Policy
- European Artificial Intelligence Regulation and Governance
Cost
- Travel expenses and accommodation will be covered by the organisers.
Eligibility
- Open to German and Italian young leaders and high potentials from the fields of politics, business, academia, civil society, the social sector, media, and culture with a strong interest in European cooperation.
- Aged between 25 and 35 years, applications of strong candidates aged between 25 and 30 years will be given preference.
- First university degree (BA or MA) or equivalent vocational qualification.
- Strong interest/expertise in European cooperation, particularly in the fields of defence and security policy, economics, artificial intelligence or climate and energy policy.
- Excellent command of English.
Note:
- Participation in the whole Spinelli Forum process (the 3 preliminary online workshops and the in-person conference in Berlin on 27/28 October 2025) is compulsory. Check your schedule before submitting your application. The organisers will cover travel expenses and accommodation.
- Should a participant be unable to attend the conference at the last moment for health or professional reasons, this must be presented to the organisers with a written justification (e.g. medical certificate).
Application
Applications will only be accepted via the application platform 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.
- A short text (max 2,500 characters) outlining what the EU should prioritize and how your country could contribute to this end in the field of your most preferred working group:
- European Economic Growth and Social Cohesion
- European Defence and Security Policy
- European Climate and Energy Policy
- European Artificial Intelligence Regulation and Governance
For more information, visit 5th German Italian Young Leaders Dialogue.
