German-Italian Young Leaders Dialogue Announces Fully Funded Program in Berlin

The Spinelli Forum is set to host the 5th Edition of the German-Italian Young Leaders Dialogue, a fully funded program designed to foster collaboration and address critical issues facing the European Union. The hybrid program, featuring both virtual and in-person sessions, aims to connect emerging leaders from Germany and Italy, providing a platform for discussion and networking. Applications are now open until July 25, 2025.

Hybrid Program Structure and Key Dates

The program will commence with a virtual event on September 19, 2025, allowing participants to join from their home countries. This will be followed by two online workshops on October 6 and October 21, 2025, respectively. The culmination of the dialogue will be a two-day, fully funded in-person conference held in Berlin on October 27 and 28, 2025.

Focus on EU Challenges and German-Italian Relations

The Spinelli Forum 2025 offers a unique opportunity for young leaders to engage in discussions surrounding the future of the EU and the strategic relationship between Italy and Germany. Participants will become part of a network of Italian and German young leaders, fostering ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Who Should Apply?

The program targets young Italian and German leaders from diverse backgrounds, including academia, politics, business, civil society, media, and the social sector. Ideal candidates will possess a strong interest in European cooperation and a commitment to participating in all virtual and in-person sessions.

Conference Themes and Working Groups

During the conference in Berlin, participants will delve into key aspects of the EU through four working groups:

Economic Growth and Social Cohesion European Defence and Security EU Climate and Energy Artificial Intelligence Regulation and Governance

Program Details

Host Organizations:

German Federal Foreign Office The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation The Institute for European Politics (IEP) The Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI)

Location: Online + in-person conference in Berlin Duration: 3 online sessions + 2 days in-person program

Benefits of Participation

Participants in the German-Italian Young Leaders Dialogue will receive numerous benefits:

Free participation in both virtual and in-person sessions. Opportunity to attend virtual sessions from their home country. Fully funded in-person conference, including travel expenses and accommodation. A platform to share opinions and learn from diverse perspectives.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be German or Italian young leaders. Possess a strong interest in European cooperation, particularly in the areas of defence and security policy, economics, artificial intelligence, or climate and energy policy. Be between 25 and 35 years old. Hold a first university degree (BA or MA) or equivalent qualification. Demonstrate excellent command of the English language.

Application Process

Interested candidates can apply through the following steps:

Fill in the online application form. Enter personal and contact details. Provide work/employment information. Select the level of education. Choose a preferred working group. Answer program-related questions. Upload a CV. Provide a link to a video (up to 3 minutes) introducing themselves and their motivation for participating. Read and agree to the privacy and marketing consent. Submit the application form.

Required Documents

Online application form CV Video link (uploaded to WeTransfer, YouTube, Google Drive, or SwissTransfer)

Deadline

The deadline to apply for the German-Italian Young Leaders Dialogue is July 25, 2025.

Expert Perspective

Dr. Anna Schmidt, a leading expert in European youth engagement at the Institute for European Politics (IEP), emphasizes the importance of such programs. "The German-Italian Young Leaders Dialogue provides a crucial platform for fostering cross-border collaboration and addressing the complex challenges facing the EU. By bringing together emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds, the program cultivates innovative solutions and strengthens the bonds between these two key European nations."

Historical and Current Context

Scholarship programs and youth dialogues have long played a vital role in promoting international understanding and cooperation. The German-Italian Young Leaders Dialogue builds upon this tradition, addressing contemporary issues such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and economic disparities within the EU. In a time of increasing global uncertainty, these initiatives are essential for nurturing a new generation of leaders committed to building a more cohesive and prosperous Europe.