Frankfurt am Main, 15 September 2026. At a time when trust in democracy and European cooperation are coming under increasing pressure, the Weimar Fellowship represents a new fellowship programme for the next generation of European decision makers from Germany, France, and Poland. The first cohort brings together 30 leaders from politics, public administration, civil society, and other sectors in the countries of the Weimar Triangle, who want to help shape Europe’s democratic future in the coming years and build resilient networks beyond the political arena. The programme builds on the idea of the Weimar Triangle and focuses on fostering exchange among three key European countries Germany, France, and Poland.
From more than 500 applications, 30 Fellows were jointly selected for the first cohort: they come from politics, public administration, civil society and other sectors, bringing diverse national, professional and social perspectives to the programme.
Six thematic clusters
In light of the diverse ideas and proposed topics submitted in the applications, six thematic areas were identified in which the Fellows will collaborate on joint project ideas and initiatives in working groups, with the aim of creating an impact that extends beyond the programme year:
- Democratic resilience and the culture of remembrance
- Disinformation, the media and the European information space
- Digital sovereignty and AI governance
- Security, defence and hybrid threats
- Energy, climate and the green transition
- EU competitiveness and economic security
Three countries, one joint programme
During three in-person modules held in Germany, France, and Poland, participants will discuss key issues facing Europe’s future, develop shared perspectives and work in teams on specific projects and initiatives. The first cohort focuses on Europe’s role in an increasingly volatile world. The focus is on issues of trust in politics and society, cross-border cooperation and Europe’s capacity to act.
The introductory module will take place in Berlin from 23 to 26 September. The programme includes meetings with leading figures from politics, academia and civil society as well as the development of initial joint project ideas in the six working groups. Additional modules will follow in France and Poland in 2027. The call for applications for the second cohort of the Weimar Fellowship is already planned and will be published in the winter of 2026/27.
The Weimar Fellowship is a joint initiative by the Hertie Foundation, Institut Montaigne and the Polish Robert Schuman Foundation, and is organised in cooperation with the Europäische Akademie Berlin. The goal is to build a durable trilateral community that strengthens democratic cooperation across national borders and generates new momentum for Europe.
More information and profiles of the Fellows can be found on the programme’s website at weimar-fellowship.eu
We are happy to assist in arranging meetings with a representative of the project partners or the Fellows.
Press contact
Hertie Foundation, a non-profit organisation
Carmen Jacobi
Communication
Phone: +49 (0)69 660 756 155
JacobiC@ghst.de