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The European Commission’s Directorate General for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) has launched a call for the selection of 15 diplomats or officials to participate in the European Union Diplomatic Programme for the Enlargement Region. This program is designed to enhance regional cooperation among junior officials and deepen their knowledge of EU affairs, particularly in the context of foreign policy and EU accession.
Program Overview
The European Union Diplomatic Programme focuses on junior diplomats and officials from the enlargement region, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, and Türkiye. The program aims to foster a unified esprit de corps while strengthening expertise in the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and EU accession processes.
The first cohort, consisting of up to 15 participants, will attend a full-time residential program from February 3 to June 30, 2025, hosted at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium. This prestigious institution specializes in EU affairs and offers a dynamic learning environment through:
- Group work and simulation exercises
- Case studies and debates
- Networking events and exposure activities
- Study visits and guest lectures from senior officials
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship: Be a citizen of one of the 10 eligible countries.
- Professional Status:
- Junior diplomats with 5–7 years of experience in national diplomatic services.
- Officials from Ministries of Foreign Affairs or related agencies working on EU accession or foreign affairs, with a similar experience level.
- Education: Hold a university degree.
- Language Proficiency: Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level); knowledge of French is an asset.
- Experience: Demonstrated expertise in EU affairs and accession processes.
- Endorsement: Provide an official letter of authorization from their employer for full-time participation.
The program encourages gender balance and invites female candidates to apply.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit the following documents by December 9, 2024, at 6:00 PM CET:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages) detailing relevant professional experience.
- Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page).
- A written endorsement from their employer.
- Supporting documents, including university diplomas and language certificates.
Applications should be in English or accompanied by English translations.
All information about the programme and the application process can be found here.
Selection Process
A selection committee from the College of Europe will review applications, ensuring gender-balanced cohorts. The final list will be approved by DG NEAR, and successful candidates will receive acceptance letters outlining program details and conditions.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: December 9, 2024
- Communication to Selected Candidates: January 5, 2025
- Info Session for Selected Participants: January 10, 2025
- Arrival in Bruges: January 31–February 1, 2025
- Program Start: February 3, 2025
Program Costs
The program is fully funded by DG NEAR and includes:
- Accommodation during the program.
- Meals (excluding weekends and Belgian public holidays).
- Tuition fees.
All information about the programme and the application process can be found here.
Contact and Additional Information
For queries about the application process, contact: euda-cc@coleurope.eu.
By applying, candidates consent to the processing of their personal data for the selection process. For details on data handling, refer to the College of Europe’s privacy notice.
Seize this opportunity to advance your diplomatic career and engage in meaningful regional cooperation!
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