Applications are now open for the Council of Europe Training Course 2026 in France. The program focuses on Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights and is designed for young activists, youth leaders, and representatives of youth civil society organizations.
The fully funded training course will take place at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg from September 27 to October 4, 2026. During the eight-day program, participants will develop practical advocacy skills and learn how to promote democracy, human rights, youth participation, and the rule of law.
The training is organized by the Council of Europe Youth Department as part of the Youth Revitalising Democracy project. Up to 30 participants will be selected to attend the program in Strasbourg.
Council of Europe Training Course 2026 – Summary
- Program Name: Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights
- Host Organization: Council of Europe
- Host Country: France
- Venue: European Youth Centre Strasbourg
- Duration: 8 days
- Program Dates: September 27 to October 4, 2026
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Number of Participants: Up to 30
- Eligible Age: 18–30 years
- Application Deadline: August 14, 2026
About the Youth Advocacy Training Course
The Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights Training Course aims to strengthen the ability of young people and youth civil society representatives to advocate for democratic values and human rights.
Participants will explore European standards related to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. They will also learn how to develop advocacy strategies, communicate with decision-makers, and promote meaningful youth participation in democratic processes.
The course is particularly relevant for young people who are already active in youth organizations, civil society, human rights initiatives, democracy campaigns, or community-based activities.
Financial Benefits
The Council of Europe will provide financial support to selected participants.
The program covers:
International travel expenses
Visa fees
Accommodation
Meals
Stay at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg
Participation in the training activities
Because the program covers the major costs associated with attending the training, participants can take part without paying for accommodation, meals, and eligible travel expenses themselves.
Who Can Apply?
The training course is aimed at young people who are actively involved in youth work, civil society, advocacy, democracy, or human rights.
Suitable applicants may include:
Youth activists
Youth leaders
Youth council representatives
Representatives of national youth councils
Members of international youth organizations
Civil society representatives
Human rights advocates
Democracy and civic engagement activists
Representatives of youth networks
Youth branches of political parties
Community initiative leaders
Applicants should have an active role in their organization and be able to use the knowledge gained from the training in future advocacy activities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Council of Europe Training Course 2026, applicants should meet the following requirements:
Be between 18 and 30 years old. Exceptions may be considered in justified cases.
Be a representative of a national youth council, international youth organization, youth network, or another youth civil society organization.
Local and regional youth councils may also be eligible.
Youth branches of political parties may be considered.
Hold a leadership or active position within the organization.
Be able to follow up on advocacy initiatives after completing the training.
Demonstrate a commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and youth participation.
Be able to work independently in English.
Be a resident of a state party to the European Cultural Convention, although exceptions may be considered where justified.
Applicants should demonstrate that their participation in the course can contribute to ongoing or future youth advocacy activities.
Eligible Nationalities
The program is primarily intended for residents of states that are parties to the European Cultural Convention.
Applicants should therefore check whether their country meets the residency requirement before submitting an application. The organizers may consider exceptions in justified circumstances.
What Will Participants Learn?
The training course focuses on practical knowledge and skills that young advocates can use in their organizations and communities.
Participants will learn about:
The Council of Europe and its institutions
European standards on democracy and human rights
The importance of youth participation
Human-rights-based advocacy
Advocacy strategy development
Working with decision-makers
Effective communication and campaigning
Democratic participation
The rule of law
Developing and implementing advocacy initiatives
The course is intended to help participants turn their knowledge into practical advocacy actions after returning to their communities and organizations.
Program Objectives
The Council of Europe Training Course aims to help young people become more effective advocates for democratic values and human rights.
Key objectives include:
Strengthening youth advocacy skills
Increasing youth participation in democratic processes
Promoting human rights
Supporting the rule of law
Helping young people engage with decision-makers
Developing effective advocacy strategies
Building connections among youth leaders and civil society representatives
Encouraging participants to implement advocacy initiatives in their communities
Why Should You Apply?
This training course can be particularly valuable for young people who are already involved in advocacy or want to strengthen their ability to influence social and democratic processes.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
Receive training from the Council of Europe
Gain practical advocacy skills
Learn about European human rights standards
Meet other young activists and civil society representatives
Develop international connections
Improve leadership and communication skills
Learn how to engage with decision-makers
Attend a fully funded program in Strasbourg, France
The experience can also strengthen an applicant's understanding of international human rights and democratic institutions.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the online application form through the official Council of Europe application platform.
Follow these general steps:
Review the eligibility requirements.
Confirm that you meet the age and residency requirements.
Make sure you are actively involved in a relevant youth or civil society organization.
Prepare the information required for the application.
Complete the online application form.
Explain your experience in youth advocacy, democracy, human rights, or related activities.
Submit the application before the deadline.
Wait for the selection results from the Council of Europe.
Applicants should provide clear information about their current involvement and explain how they intend to use the knowledge and skills gained from the course.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Council of Europe Youth Advocacy for Democracy and Human Rights Training Course 2026 is August 14, 2026.
Since the deadline is approaching, eligible applicants should complete their applications as early as possible.
Final Words
The Council of Europe Training Course 2026 in France offers young activists and youth civil society representatives an opportunity to strengthen their advocacy skills in an international environment.
Through practical training on democracy, human rights, youth participation, and the rule of law, participants can gain knowledge that can be applied within their organizations and communities. The fully funded support also makes the program accessible to selected participants from eligible countries.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and have an active role in youth advocacy or civil society, this training course can be a valuable opportunity to develop your leadership and advocacy skills while connecting with other young people in Strasbourg.
