Young people working in human rights, democracy, youth participation and advocacy have an opportunity to attend an international training programme in France without paying for travel, accommodation or meals.
The Council of Europe Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights Training Course 2026 will be held at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg from September 27 to October 4, 2026.
The fully funded programme will bring together up to 30 young activists and youth civil society representatives to develop practical advocacy skills and learn how to engage more effectively with policymakers and decision-makers.
The application deadline is August 14, 2026.
Council of Europe Training Course 2026: Key Details
- Host organisation: Council of Europe
- Training: Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights
- Venue: European Youth Centre Strasbourg, France
- Dates: September 27–October 4, 2026
- Duration: 8 days
- Number of participants: Up to 30
- Funding: Fully funded
- Application deadline: August 14, 2026
What Is the Youth Advocacy Training Course?
The training course is organised by the Council of Europe Youth Department as part of the Youth Revitalising Democracy project.
The programme focuses on helping young leaders and youth civil society representatives become more effective advocates for democracy, human rights, the rule of law and meaningful youth participation.
Rather than being limited to classroom learning, the training is designed to help participants understand how advocacy works in practice — from developing a strategy to communicating with decision-makers and turning ideas into concrete initiatives.
What Will Participants Learn?
During the eight-day training, participants are expected to strengthen their understanding of:
- The Council of Europe and its institutions
- European standards on democracy and human rights
- Youth participation in democratic processes
- Human-rights-based advocacy
- Advocacy strategy development
- Engagement with decision-makers
- Planning and implementing advocacy initiatives
The programme can be particularly useful for young people who are already active in civil society and want to build the skills needed to influence policies and strengthen youth participation.
Fully Funded: What Does the Programme Cover?
Selected participants will receive financial support from the Council of Europe.
The funding package includes:
- International travel expenses
- Visa-related costs
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Stay at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg
This means selected participants can attend the training without having to bear the major costs associated with travelling to France.
Who Can Apply?
The training is primarily aimed at young people between 18 and 30 years old, although exceptions may be considered in justified cases.
Applicants should generally:
- Represent a national youth council, international youth organisation or network, or another youth civil society organisation
- Hold a leadership role in their organisation
- Be in a position to follow up on advocacy initiatives after the training
- Demonstrate a commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law and youth participation
- Be able to work independently in English
- Be resident in a state party to the European Cultural Convention, although exceptions may be considered where justified
Applicants should therefore demonstrate more than a general interest in human rights or democracy. Experience in youth leadership, advocacy or civil society can strengthen their application.
Who Should Apply?
The opportunity may be particularly relevant for young people involved in:
- Youth organisations
- Youth councils
- Human rights initiatives
- Democracy and civic engagement
- Youth participation programmes
- Advocacy campaigns
- Civil society organisations
- Community initiatives
- Policy and decision-making
- Youth leadership
For young activists already working with communities or youth organisations, the training could provide an opportunity to develop their advocacy approach while building connections with other youth leaders from across Europe and beyond.
How to Apply for the Council of Europe Training Course 2026
Eligible applicants must complete the online application form before the deadline.
The application deadline is August 14, 2026.
Since the deadline is approaching, prospective applicants should check the official programme information and eligibility requirements carefully before submitting their applications.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Young people are increasingly involved in campaigns around human rights, democratic participation, social inclusion and public policy. However, turning community concerns into effective policy advocacy requires specific skills — including understanding institutions, identifying decision-makers, building evidence-based arguments and developing sustainable advocacy strategies.
The Council of Europe training course is designed around precisely these skills.
For eligible young leaders, the programme offers not only fully funded international training in Strasbourg but also an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of European democratic institutions and develop practical tools for future advocacy work.
Application deadline: August 14, 2026.
Council of Europe Training Course 2026 in France: Fully Funded Opportunity for Young Leaders
Typography
- Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
- Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times
- Reading Mode