Interested in government, advocacy, or media? 15 experiences for young Christians in Europe

For starters, 1 Timothy 4:12 says to not “despise your youth” but to be the example “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Romans 12:1-2 also encourages both the young and old to “not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities for a young, Christian professional or student to set that Biblical example in the areas of politics, economics, media, and more. Below are some of the latest EU-specific events/fellowships to help get that process started. Some focus more on leadership while others have an emphasis on specific training within the area of politics, journalism, apologetics or another field. It is also good to pay attention to the duration and course type. Some programmes last a week or less, and others may be several months long in a hybrid format.

Many institutions have opened their applications for opportunities in 2027, while some will soon start recruiting for 2028 soon. Here at CNE, we encourage you to have a look at each one and see which programme is appropriate for your particular situation. If you have questions or need more info, feel free to get in touch with the appropriate contact on the website for the latest info.

• Areté Academy Europe is a 4-month online training course in law, policy, media and public life, followed by a residential week in Slovakia.

• ECPYouth Christian Changemakers is a 6-month online training course in Christian politics, campaigning and communication along with three in-person European events.

• Wilberforce Academy is a 1-week residential programme in the United Kingdom exploring cultural engagement and contemporary issues from a Biblical worldview.

• CARE Leadership Programme is a 12-month programme combining placements in Parliament or policy organisations along with training in politics, theology, advocacy and leadership.

• European Leadership Programme is a 5-month placement that includes residential formation in Brussels alongside employment, postgraduate study, volunteering or a traineeship.

• COMECE European Summer School is a 5-day residential programme in Belgium that explores European politics, geopolitics, democracy and society from a Catholic perspective.

• Session LEAD is a 5-day residential programme in Belgium introducing young adults to Christian leadership in politics, business and civil society.

• International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism and Human Rights is a 12-day study experience in Strasbourg focusing on apologetics, evangelism, human rights and religious freedom.

• EWTN Summer Academy is a free 11-day international academy offering practical training in journalism, religious media, filmmaking and storytelling from a Catholic perspective.

• IFES Student Leadership Formación is a year-long programme combining conferences, monthly online groups and mentoring for current or aspiring young Christian leaders.

• Kairos Mission Academy is a five-day residential academy in Germany covering apologetics, evangelism, Christian culture, campus ministry and discipleship.

• European Leadership Forum Emerging Leaders Network is a year-round mentorships and leadership training alongside participation in the annual European Leadership Forum in Poland.

• EYCE Empowering Young Christian Voices is a multi-experience programme of study visits, training, local initiatives and podcasts with an emphasis on human rights, advocacy and youth participation.

• First Freedom FoRB Fellowship is a 1-year remote fellowship offering practical experience in religious-freedom advocacy, media, campaigns, events and project development.

• MediaFest Europe is a 4-day event offering training and networking in Christian journalism, publishing, writing, content creation, communication and the arts.