The Green Foreign Policy Fellowship by Heinrich Böll Foundation (hbs) Thessaloniki Office offers a rare and transformative opportunity for emerging and seasoned thinkers in international relations. As our world navigates the complexities of climate crisis, geopolitical shifts, and declining multilateralism, the necessity of rethinking foreign and security policy through a green, progressive lens becomes not only timely but urgent. This fellowship invites scholars, practitioners, and policy innovators to reimagine what global engagement could look like when driven by ecological justice, human rights, and long-term peace strategies.
Scholarship Overview
The Green Foreign Policy Fellowship by Heinrich Böll Foundation runs from July 2025 to May 2026 and is the first of its kind by the Thessaloniki Office of the Heinrich Böll Foundation. The programme emerges at a time when global green movements are increasingly vocal on foreign policy issues.
Green Foreign Policy Fellowship by Heinrich Böll Foundation aims to deepen discourse and action around a redefined foreign and security policy rooted in ecological consciousness and social equity. The fellowship supports selected participants with financial assistance, exposure, research opportunities, and access to an influential international network.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be emerging or established professionals in international relations, political science, foreign policy, or related fields.
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.
- Show interest or expertise in themes like feminist foreign policy, climate diplomacy, human security, and decolonial international relations.
- Be engaged in academia, civil society, or policy institutions as researchers, advisors, or practitioners.
- Be fluent in English.
- Applicants from all global regions are welcome, with encouragement given to underrepresented groups, including BIPOC, LGBTQI+ individuals, women, and persons with disabilities.
Application Procedures
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae: In Europass format, maximum of 3 pages.
- Motivation Letter: A 300-word letter explaining the relevance of the fellowship to the applicant’s aspirations.
- Concept Note: A 2-page outline detailing a major challenge in green foreign policy and a proposed plan to address it.
- Early submissions (by May 15) will receive priority.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview in June.
- Applications must be submitted via the official foundation link.
Benefits of Green Foreign Policy Fellowship by Heinrich Böll Foundation
Students are entitled to these benefits:
- Stipend: €6,000 gross paid in installments during the first semester.
- Travel and Accommodation: Fully covered for fellowship-related events.
- Visa Support: Letters of invitation will be provided if necessary.
- Networking: Access to an international network of green policy thinkers and institutions.
- Visibility: Fellows will be featured on the foundation’s platforms, with opportunities for public engagement and dissemination of their work.
- Recognition: Upon completion, fellows are designated as Green Foreign Policy Scholars and inducted into the hbs Thessaloniki Alumni Network.
Why Choose Green Foreign Policy Fellowship by Heinrich Böll Foundation?
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Thessaloniki Office is part of a global network present in over 35 countries. It stands out for its commitment to socio-ecological transformation, democracy, and inclusive political practices.
Its Foreign & Security Policy Programme leads in redefining policy narratives, offering fellows a space to challenge realism in international relations and contribute to innovative policy alternatives.
The foundation encourages intersectional, feminist, and data-driven approaches, empowering participants with the tools and mentorship to make substantive change
Application and Deadline
Applicants are encouraged to carefully follow all guidelines, as incomplete or incorrectly formatted submissions will not be considered.
Deadline: The application period for the Green Foreign Policy Fellowship runs from May 5 to May 31, 2025, closing at 18:00 Eastern European Time (GMT +3).
Early bird submissions received before May 15, 2025, will receive prioritization.
Official Scholarship Website: https://gr.boell.org/en/2025/05/05/applications-green-foreign-policy-fellowship-are-now-open