The EU Mentorship Programme provides political mentorship to liberal political activists in non-EU Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership countries. The aim is for participants and their Mentors to work towards preparing for the EU accession processes. It also aims to push the topic of EU enlargement beyond the simple ‘pro et contra’ arguments into more solution-oriented discussions.
The 2021 Programme is open for all policy advisors, liberal parliamentary and party staff from non-EU Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership countries. Multiple staff from one organisation can apply (2 of which can be accepted into the programme).
As participant in front of Western Balkans, you are required to attend the following sessions, unless other arrangements are made in advance:
I module for Western Balkans (online): I session: 20.04. II session 27.04.
II module for Western Balkans: 17-19.09. Ohrid, North Macedonia
III module – joint session: 18-20.10. Brussels, Belgium
As participant in front of Eastern Partnership, you are required to attend the following sessions, unless other arrangements are made in advance:
Session 1 for EaP countries: 01-04.07.2021. Tbilisi, Georgia
Session 2 – joint session (Western Balkans and EaP): 18-20.10. Brussels, Belgium
Online activities:
-EU Mentorship podcast “Stories from the Balkans”
-Reverse report – joint publication
In this Programme, you can expect to:
– acquire knowledge that influences your future political work, becoming more informed about EU requirements.
– bond with your EU mentors and fellow liberals from the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries, as well as representatives of ALDE/Renew Europe member parties while discussing your countries’ future in the EU.
– write national ‘reverse reports’, based on country reports and AAPs of the European Commission, where you offer realistic arguments in support of the Western Balkan integration in the EU as well as Eastern Partnership.
Cost of accommodation and meals for the sessions will be covered by the organisers. Travel costs are reimbursed up to 300 EUR per participant after submitting the travel reimbursement form and all original supporting documents.
Please apply by 01st of April 2021.
Applicants from Western Balkans please apply here.
Applicants from Eastern Partnership countries please apply here.
Applications will be assessed on the basis of experience and role in the party, taking into account gender balance and regional representation. Selected participants will be notified by 06th of April 2021.
An event organised by the European Liberal Forum with the support of Stichting IDI / D66 Internationaal and Boris Divkovic Foundation. The project is additionally supported by FNF Brussels, International Education Centre, Novum Institute, SILC and NEOS Lab.
