Aspen Institute Romania is accepting applications for the Bucharest Forum Fellowship Program 2026. This fellowship invites applicants to submit an original policy paper for possible selection as a Bucharest Forum Fellow.
Fellows also gain access to plenary sessions and networking opportunities with regional leaders and experts.
Application Deadline:
31 October 2026
Tell Me About The Program:
The Bucharest Forum Fellows Programme 2026 is organized by Aspen Institute Romania as part of the flagship Bucharest Forum (co-hosted with the German Marshall Fund of the US). The program selects emerging and established policy voices to write, present, and publish original policy papers that contribute to strategic regional dialogue on pressing security, defense, energy, technology, and foreign policy challenges. Selected Fellows have their work edited and published in the Forum’s paper series and presented directly to an international audience of decision-makers, experts, and practitioners.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Security and Defense Policy, Foreign Policy, Energy and Critical Materials, Technology, and Public Policy.
Type:
Policy Paper Fellowship / Academic Conference Residency
Who can Apply?
- Professional/Academic Background: Open to emerging and established voices with a professional or academic background in security and defense, foreign policy, energy, critical materials, or technology.
- Language Proficiency: Must be fluent in English (the working language of the Forum and paper series).
- Selection Criteria: Selected on the strength and originality of a proposed policy paper (minimum length 1,500 – max 2,000 words) addressing designated themes.
How are Applicants Selected:
Applicants are evaluated based on their capacity to express original points of view and contribute meaningfully to strategic academic and policy dialogue.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Global (open to regional and international applicants).
Where will the Program be Taken?
Bucharest, Romania (19–20 November 2026).
How Many Fellows:
A select group of Fellows chosen per annual Forum edition.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Publication: Policy paper edited and published in the official Bucharest Forum paper series, distributed online and among Forum participants.
- Event Access: Full access to all plenary sessions of the Bucharest Forum (19–20 November 2026).
- Networking: Direct networking opportunities with policymakers, experts, and industry leaders from across the region.
- Network Membership: Integration into the Aspen Institute Romania professional network.
How Long Will it Last:
2-day conference participation (19–20 November 2026) following paper editing and publication.
How to Apply:
- Prepare an original policy paper (1,500 to 2,000 words) addressing one of the core themes:
- Romania–Poland, the key relation on the Eastern Flank
- Securing critical materials
- Moldova: the race for security and stability
- South Caucasus: between Russia, Iran and China (and where is the EU?)
- Maritime security in a “Russian Lake”?
- Submit your application online via the official Aspen Institute Romania link before October 31, 2026.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
