If you’re an international relations thinker, a policy professional, or an academic with a passion for green foreign and security policy, this is your moment. The Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Thessaloniki Office has officially launched the first-ever Green Foreign Policy Fellowship, welcoming emerging and experienced voices from across the globe to apply and become part of a powerful global movement redefining international relations through a progressive, ecological lens.
What Is the Green Foreign Policy Fellowship?
Running from July 2025 to May 2026, the fellowship is designed to catalyze critical thinking and innovation in the realm of green foreign and security policy. With increasing global volatility, this program seeks to move beyond outdated realist frameworks by supporting research and policy narratives rooted in climate justice, feminist diplomacy, human rights, and decolonial approaches.
Fellows will engage in research, international networking, event participation, and policy content creation, and will become part of a visible global alumni community committed to progressive diplomacy.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship welcomes individuals with either emerging or established experience in the field of foreign and security policy. You’re encouraged to apply if you’re:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree holder in international relations, political science, or similar fields.
- A PhD student, recent graduate, or postdoctoral researcher.
- A practitioner, elected official, or advisor in foreign/security policy at national or international levels.
- Actively engaged in green foreign policy through academic, policymaking, advocacy, or critical analysis lenses.
- Fluent in English (working language of the fellowship).
- From any region of the world, including Global South applicants, LGBTQI+ communities, BIPOC individuals, and people with disabilities.
What the Fellowship Offers?
Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive support package to carry out their research and actively participate in global policy discussions.
Benefits include:
- Stipend of €6,000 (paid in instalments during the first semester for content development).
- Travel & accommodation costs for events covered.
- Visa support through official invitation letters.
- Media visibility and publication of your work via the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s platforms.
- Alumni network membership as a Green Foreign Policy Scholar after successful completion.
Fellowship Expectations
Once accepted, fellows are expected to:
- Submit a strategy and concept plan for their proposed policy/research focus.
- Produce content during the first semester: papers, op-eds, reports, or other formats.
- Participate in networking and event presentations during the second semester.
- Submit short monthly progress reports.
- Actively engage on social media and collaborate with the Foundation’s communication team.
- Allow the Foundation to profile their work and background publicly.
Apply: https://gr.boell.org/en/2025/05/05/applications-green-foreign-policy-fellowship-are-now-open.
Application Timeline
The application period for the Green Foreign Policy Fellowship runs from May 5 to May 31, 2025, with all submissions due by 18:00 Eastern European Time (GMT +3) on the final day. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as those who submit their applications by May 15, 2025, will be given priority during the selection process.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a brief online interview in June 2025, and the fellowship itself will officially begin in July 2025, continuing through to May 2026.
