Applications are now open for the Council of Europe Training Course 2026 in France, an international fully funded training opportunity for young people and youth civil society representatives interested in democracy, human rights, youth participation, advocacy, and the rule of law.

The training course, titled Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights, will be held at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg in France from 27 September to 4 October 2026.

Organized by the Council of Europe Youth Department as part of the Youth Revitalising Democracy project, the program will help young activists and youth leaders develop practical advocacy skills, engage with decision-makers, and promote greater youth participation in democratic processes.

Selected participants will receive support for international travel, visa fees, accommodation, and meals. Up to 30 participants will be selected for the training.

Council of Europe Training Course 2026 – Quick Details

●Host Organization: Council of Europe

●Training: Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights

●Location: Strasbourg, France 🇫🇷

●Venue: European Youth Centre Strasbourg

●Dates: 27 September – 4 October 2026

●Duration: 8 Days

●Funding: Fully Funded

●Number of Participants: Up to 30

●Application Deadline: 14 August 2026

About the Council of Europe Youth Advocacy Training Course

The Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights Training Course is designed to strengthen the capacity of young people and youth civil society representatives to advocate for human rights, democracy, youth participation, and the rule of law.

During the training, participants will gain knowledge and practical skills that can help them develop advocacy initiatives within their organizations and communities.

The program will also provide participants with an opportunity to learn more about the Council of Europe and its institutions, as well as European standards relating to democracy and human rights.

Financial Benefits

The Council of Europe will provide selected participants with financial support covering:

●✈️ International travel expenses

●🛂 Visa fees

●🏨 Accommodation

●🍽️ Meals

●🏛️ Stay at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg

This makes the training course a valuable fully funded opportunity in France for eligible youth leaders and civil society representatives.

Number of Participants

Up to 30 participants will be selected for the Council of Europe training course.

Because the number of available places is limited, applicants should carefully demonstrate their experience, motivation, leadership role, and commitment to democracy and human rights.

Who Can Apply?

The training course is particularly suitable for young people who are actively involved in youth organizations, civil society, advocacy, democracy, and human rights initiatives.

Applicants may include:

●Youth organization representatives

●Youth council members

●Human rights activists

●Civil society representatives

●Youth leaders

●Community organizers

●Democracy and civic engagement advocates

●Youth participation advocates

●Members of international youth organizations

●Members of national, local, or regional youth councils

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Council of Europe Training Course 2026, applicants should:

●Be between 18 and 30 years old. Exceptions may be considered if justified.

●Be a representative of a national youth council, international youth organization/network, or other youth civil society organization.

●Local and regional youth councils and youth branches of political parties may also be eligible.

●Hold a leadership position within their organization.

●Be able to follow up with advocacy initiatives after the training.

●Demonstrate 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.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity may be particularly suitable for applicants who are already working or volunteering in areas such as:

Youth Organizations

Members and leaders of youth organizations can gain practical advocacy skills that can be applied within their organizations.

Human Rights

Applicants involved in human rights initiatives can learn how to develop stronger human-rights-based advocacy strategies.

Democracy and Civic Engagement

The course is suitable for young people working to increase civic participation and strengthen democratic processes.

Youth Participation

Participants will explore ways to advocate for greater youth involvement in decision-making.

Civil Society

Civil society representatives can develop practical approaches for engaging decision-makers and promoting policy change.

Advocacy Campaigns

Young activists involved in advocacy campaigns can strengthen their ability to plan and implement effective advocacy strategies.

What Will Participants Learn?

The training course will provide participants with knowledge and practical skills in several important areas.

Participants will learn how to:

●Understand the Council of Europe and its institutions.

●Learn about European standards relating to democracy and human rights.

●Develop human-rights-based advocacy skills.

●Create effective advocacy strategies.

●Implement advocacy initiatives.

●Engage with decision-makers.

●Promote youth participation in democratic processes.

●Strengthen advocacy work within their organizations and communities.

Why Apply for the Council of Europe Training Course?

The program provides more than an international training experience.

Selected participants will have the opportunity to:

●Travel to Strasbourg, France.

●Learn directly within the Council of Europe youth environment.

●Strengthen their democracy and human rights knowledge.

●Develop practical advocacy skills.

●Connect with other young leaders and civil society representatives.

●Learn how to engage decision-makers.

●Improve their ability to design advocacy initiatives.

●Build international networks.

●Gain experience that can support future youth leadership and civil society work.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Council of Europe Training Course 2026 is:

14 August 2026

Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and carefully review all eligibility requirements before applying.

How to Apply for the Council of Europe Training Course 2026?

The application process is online.

Step 1 – Visit the Official Council of Europe Website

Access the official Council of Europe Youth Department application page.

Step 2 – Review the Eligibility Requirements

Make sure you meet the age, organizational involvement, English-language, and residency requirements.

Step 3 – Complete the Online Application

Provide your personal information, organizational background, leadership experience, and motivation as requested in the application form.

Step 4 – Submit Your Application

Review your information carefully and submit the completed application before the 14 August 2026 deadline.

Apply Now for the Council of Europe Training Course 2026

APPLY NOW FOR THE COE TRAINING COURSE 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Council of Europe Training Course 2026 fully funded?

Yes. According to the provided program information, selected participants will receive support covering international travel, visa fees, accommodation, and meals.

Where will the training take place?

The training will be held at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg in Strasbourg, France.

When will the training take place?

The program is scheduled for 27 September to 4 October 2026 and will last 8 days.

How many participants will be selected?

Up to 30 participants will be selected.

What is the age limit?

Applicants should generally be between 18 and 30 years old. Exceptions may be considered where justified.

Do I need to be involved in a youth organization?

Yes. The program is primarily intended for representatives of youth councils, youth organizations, networks, and other youth civil society organizations.

What language is required?

Applicants should be able to work independently in English.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 14 August 2026.

Final Thoughts

The Council of Europe Training Course 2026 in France is an excellent opportunity for young activists, youth leaders, and civil society representatives who want to strengthen their skills in democracy, human rights, advocacy, and youth participation.

With financial support for travel, visa fees, accommodation, and meals, selected participants can attend the training in Strasbourg while gaining practical knowledge and connecting with other young people working to create positive change.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, prepare your application carefully and apply before the 14 August 2026 deadline.

Good luck with your application!

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