Are you a researcher, policy professional, academic, or emerging leader interested in security, defence, foreign policy, energy, critical materials, technology, or public policy? The Bucharest Forum Fellowship Program 2026 offers an opportunity to contribute original research to strategic policy discussions, publish your work through the Bucharest Forum paper series, and engage with policymakers, experts, and industry leaders.
Organised by Aspen Institute Romania as part of the Bucharest Forum, the programme invites emerging and established voices to submit original policy papers addressing key geopolitical, security, and strategic challenges. Selected fellows will have their papers edited and published, present their ideas to the Forum audience, participate in networking activities, and gain access to a professional network focused on strategic dialogue across the region.
The 2026 edition of the Bucharest Forum will take place on 19–20 November 2026 in Bucharest, Romania. Applicants interested in joining the fellowship must submit their applications by 31 October 2026 and ensure that their policy papers address one of the five themes specified in the call.
This opportunity is particularly relevant for individuals who want to strengthen their policy research portfolios, increase the visibility of their work, and contribute evidence-based perspectives to discussions about European security, regional stability, energy security, and international relations.
Bucharest Forum Fellowship Program 2026: Opportunity Overview
The Bucharest Forum Fellowship is connected to the annual Bucharest Forum, a flagship event organised by Aspen Institute Romania and the German Marshall Fund of the United States. The Forum brings together participants interested in strategic and policy issues affecting the region and the wider international environment.
For the 2026 edition, Aspen Institute Romania will select fellows based on the quality and originality of their policy papers and their ability to contribute meaningfully to strategic dialogue.
Here are the key details of the programme:
- Programme name: Bucharest Forum Fellowship Program 2026
- Organising institution: Aspen Institute Romania
- Forum organisers: Aspen Institute Romania and the German Marshall Fund of the United States
- Location: Bucharest, Romania
- Forum dates: 19–20 November 2026
- Application deadline: 31 October 2026
- Target applicants: Emerging and established professionals and researchers with relevant academic or professional backgrounds
- Main requirement: An original policy paper of 1,500–2,000 words
- Language: English
- Research themes: Eastern Flank relations, critical materials, Moldova’s security and stability, South Caucasus geopolitics, and maritime security
- Publication opportunity: Selected papers will be edited and published in the Bucharest Forum paper series
- Participation benefit: Access to all plenary sessions of the Bucharest Forum
- Networking opportunities: Engagement with policymakers, experts, industry leaders, peers, and senior Forum participants
The fellowship is designed to identify individuals with original perspectives and the ability to contribute to meaningful academic and policy discussions. Selection is therefore based on applicants’ capacity to develop and communicate distinctive ideas rather than simply their interest in attending the Forum.
About the Bucharest Forum Fellowship Program
The Bucharest Forum Fellowship is a research and policy engagement opportunity that allows selected participants to contribute directly to the discussions taking place at the Bucharest Forum.
Rather than functioning solely as an event attendance programme, the fellowship centres on original written contributions. Applicants must develop a policy paper addressing one of the designated themes, with selected papers forming part of the Forum’s publication series.
The initiative creates a connection between research, policy analysis, and practical strategic dialogue. Fellows have an opportunity to communicate their findings and recommendations to an audience that includes decision-makers, subject-matter experts, practitioners, and other participants interested in regional and international affairs.
This structure makes the programme relevant to individuals who want to move beyond academic discussion and engage with the practical implications of policy challenges.
For example, a researcher studying European security arrangements might explore the strategic importance of cooperation between countries on the Eastern Flank. A policy professional working on energy security could investigate the importance of access to critical materials. Someone focused on international relations might examine the security challenges facing Moldova or the South Caucasus.
The programme provides a platform for such work to be considered within a wider policy conversation.
Who Organises the Bucharest Forum Fellowship?
Aspen Institute Romania
Aspen Institute Romania is responsible for selecting fellows for the 2026 programme and managing the publication and engagement activities described in the call.
The institute works across several areas of public interest, including governance and society, security and foreign policy, energy and sustainability, technology and innovation, economic development, healthcare, and culture.
Through the Bucharest Forum Fellowship, Aspen Institute Romania seeks to bring original perspectives into strategic discussions and provide selected contributors with an opportunity to engage with experienced professionals and experts.
The German Marshall Fund of the United States
The German Marshall Fund of the United States is the other organiser of the Bucharest Forum, the annual event associated with the fellowship.
The Forum provides the setting in which selected fellows can present their ideas and participate in discussions about strategic issues affecting the region.
The Bucharest Forum
The Bucharest Forum is the flagship annual event organised by Aspen Institute Romania and the German Marshall Fund of the United States.
The 2026 edition is scheduled for 19–20 November in Bucharest. The event provides a platform for strategic dialogue among people working on policy, security, international relations, and related subjects.
Selected fellows will have access to all plenary sessions and opportunities to engage with other participants throughout the Forum.
Why Apply for the Bucharest Forum Fellowship 2026?
The programme offers several professional and research-related benefits for selected fellows. These benefits focus on publication, exposure to strategic policy discussions, networking, and opportunities to exchange ideas with other professionals.
1. Get Your Policy Paper Published
One of the most significant benefits is the opportunity to have your policy paper edited and published in the Bucharest Forum paper series.
For researchers and policy professionals, publication can help establish a visible record of their work and demonstrate their ability to analyse complex policy questions.
A published paper may also provide a useful professional reference when applying for research positions, policy roles, further academic opportunities, or other programmes that value written analysis and subject-matter expertise.
The papers will be published on the Aspen Institute Romania website and distributed among the Forum audience.
Applicants should note that publication is a benefit for selected fellows; submitting a paper does not automatically guarantee publication.
2. Present Your Ideas to Decision-Makers and Experts
Selected fellows will have their work presented to the Bucharest Forum audience, creating an opportunity for their research and recommendations to reach people involved in policy discussions.
This exposure can help fellows communicate their analysis to an audience beyond their immediate academic or professional circles.
It may also allow them to see how their ideas relate to current strategic priorities and the practical challenges faced by policymakers and practitioners.
3. Access All Bucharest Forum Plenary Sessions
Fellows will receive full access to all plenary sessions of the Bucharest Forum taking place on 19–20 November 2026.
These sessions provide opportunities to follow discussions relevant to the Forum’s strategic and policy focus, hear different perspectives, and gain a broader understanding of regional and international developments.
For applicants interested in foreign policy, security, defence, energy, or technology, the sessions may provide useful context for their ongoing research and professional work.
4. Network with Policymakers, Experts, and Industry Leaders
The fellowship includes opportunities to participate in networking events with policymakers, experts, and industry leaders.
Networking is particularly valuable in fields where research, public policy, international relations, and industry expertise intersect.
Through these engagements, fellows can exchange perspectives, learn about different professional experiences, and establish relationships with individuals working on related issues.
The programme also offers opportunities to engage with peers and senior participants throughout the Forum.
5. Join a Network of Professionals Contributing to Strategic Dialogue
Selected fellows will become part of a professional network of young people and other contributors engaged in strategic reflection at national and regional levels.
This network may be useful for individuals seeking to develop their careers in policy research, international relations, security analysis, governance, diplomacy, or related areas.
The announcement specifically highlights access to the Aspen network as one of the fellowship’s benefits.
6. Strengthen Your Policy Research and Analytical Skills
Preparing a policy paper requires applicants to identify a significant problem, examine available evidence, develop a clear argument, and communicate relevant conclusions.
The fellowship’s emphasis on original viewpoints and meaningful strategic dialogue makes it particularly relevant for people seeking to strengthen these capabilities.
Applicants must demonstrate that they can move beyond describing an issue and offer a thoughtful contribution to the discussion surrounding it.
The selection process therefore provides an incentive to develop a focused, well-structured paper that identifies a problem and explains its strategic or policy implications.
7. Increase the Visibility of Your Professional Expertise
For emerging professionals, having research published and presented at an established policy forum can help communicate their expertise to a broader audience.
For more experienced applicants, the programme offers another avenue to contribute to strategic discussions and share original analysis.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to individuals who want to build a professional profile around security, foreign policy, energy, critical materials, technology, or public policy.
These benefits are described in the official fellowship announcement.
Who Can Apply for the Bucharest Forum Fellowship 2026?
Aspen Institute Romania welcomes applications from individuals with professional or academic backgrounds relevant to the themes of the Forum.
The announcement explicitly states that both emerging and established voices are welcome. Applicants do not need to assume that the programme is exclusively for students or early-career researchers.
Instead, candidates should demonstrate relevant knowledge, the ability to develop an original policy perspective, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to strategic dialogue.
Relevant academic and professional backgrounds
The call identifies the following areas:
- Security and defence policy
- Foreign policy
- Energy
- Critical materials
- Technology
- Public policy
- Related fields relevant to strategic dialogue
Applicants whose expertise spans several of these areas may be well positioned to explore connections between them, provided their paper directly addresses one of the five prescribed themes.
English-language proficiency
Applicants should be fluent in English.
English is the working language of the Bucharest Forum and the language in which the policy papers must be written. Candidates should therefore be able to communicate their arguments clearly and professionally in written work and during discussions.
Ability to contribute original perspectives
Selection is based on the applicant’s ability to express original viewpoints and contribute meaningfully to academic strategic dialogue among peers.
A strong application should demonstrate a clear understanding of the chosen theme and present an argument that adds value to the discussion.
The announcement does not specify a minimum degree level, a particular number of years of professional experience, or a formal age limit. Applicants should not assume that these are mandatory conditions unless additional instructions in the application form establish them.
Five Policy Paper Themes for the 2026 Fellowship
Applicants must choose one of five themes for their policy paper. Each theme concerns a strategic issue with implications for regional security, international relations, or economic and political stability.
The required paper length is a minimum of 1,500 words and a maximum of 2,000 words.
Candidates should select the theme that best matches their expertise, research interests, and ability to develop an original argument.
Theme 1: Romania–Poland, the Key Relationship on the Eastern Flank
This theme focuses on the relationship between Romania and Poland and its significance on Europe’s Eastern Flank.
Applicants choosing this topic could examine the strategic importance of bilateral relations, the role of cooperation between the two countries, or the implications of their relationship for wider European security discussions.
A well-developed paper should identify a specific question rather than attempt to cover every aspect of the relationship.
Potential areas of analysis could include security cooperation, diplomatic coordination, regional strategic priorities, or the ways in which bilateral relations influence broader European policy debates.
These are possible directions for developing a paper, not additional themes or mandatory subtopics specified by the organisers.
Theme 2: Securing Critical Materials
Critical materials are important to a range of industrial, technological, and economic activities. Their availability, sourcing, and security can have implications for strategic resilience and economic development.
Applicants selecting this theme could investigate challenges associated with securing critical materials and explain why those challenges matter for policymakers.
Possible approaches include analysing supply-chain vulnerabilities, examining the strategic importance of reliable access to essential materials, or exploring how governments and other stakeholders respond to supply risks.
The strongest approach will depend on the applicant’s expertise and the specific question addressed in the paper.
Candidates should ensure that the paper makes a clear policy argument rather than simply providing a general description of critical materials.
Theme 3: Moldova: The Race for Security and Stability
This theme addresses security and stability in Moldova, a subject connected to wider regional political and strategic concerns.
Applicants may explore a focused question about the challenges affecting Moldova’s security environment and the implications for policymakers and regional stakeholders.
Potential analytical directions include institutional resilience, regional security pressures, political stability, or the role of international partnerships.
Applicants should avoid treating these possible topics as a fixed checklist. Instead, they should identify the particular problem they want to examine and explain how their analysis could contribute to a better understanding of security and stability.
Theme 4: South Caucasus: Between Russia, Iran and China — and Where Is the EU?
This theme focuses on the South Caucasus and the strategic relationships involving Russia, Iran, China, and the European Union.
It invites analysis of the region’s geopolitical environment and the implications of interactions among these actors.
Applicants could examine competing strategic interests, regional influence, diplomatic relationships, or the European Union’s position within the wider geopolitical landscape.
A strong paper should establish a clearly defined question, explain the relevance of the actors involved, and develop an original interpretation supported by appropriate evidence.
Given the breadth of the theme, applicants should narrow their focus to a specific policy problem that can be analysed effectively within the 1,500–2,000-word limit.
Theme 5: Maritime Security in a “Russian Lake”?
The fifth theme concerns maritime security and the strategic implications of the phrase “Russian Lake.”
Applicants choosing this topic should develop a clear interpretation of the maritime security question they intend to examine and explain its broader regional significance.
Possible approaches could involve strategic access, maritime security arrangements, regional power dynamics, or the policy implications of changes in the security environment.
Candidates should ensure that the paper addresses the central maritime security issue and presents a coherent argument relevant to the Forum’s strategic discussions.
How to choose the right theme
Before selecting a topic, applicants should consider:
- Subject expertise: Which theme is most closely connected to your academic background or professional experience?
- Originality: Can you develop a distinctive argument instead of repeating familiar observations?
- Evidence: Can you support your position with credible information and clear reasoning?
- Policy relevance: Why should policymakers, experts, or practitioners care about the issue?
- Scope: Can you examine the question thoroughly within 1,500–2,000 words?
The official call lists all five themes and sets the minimum and maximum paper lengths. Applicants should follow these requirements when preparing their submissions.
How to Write a Strong Policy Paper for the Bucharest Forum
The policy paper is central to the application. Applicants should therefore devote sufficient time to choosing a focused question, developing a clear argument, and presenting their ideas in a professional format.
Although the announcement does not prescribe a detailed paper structure, the following approach can help candidates organise their analysis.
1. Develop a focused policy question
Begin by identifying a specific question within one of the five themes.
A broad topic such as European security may be too large to address effectively in 1,500–2,000 words. A more focused question will help you establish the purpose of the paper and determine which evidence is relevant.
The question should be clear enough to guide the entire analysis.
2. Establish the strategic context
Briefly explain the issue being examined and why it matters.
Readers should understand the background to the problem, the relevant actors, and the implications of the issue for regional or international policy.
Avoid allowing background information to dominate the paper. The purpose is to establish enough context to support the argument that follows.
3. Present an original argument
The announcement emphasises original viewpoints. Applicants should therefore make their central argument explicit.
Explain what you believe the evidence demonstrates, what the main policy challenge is, or what important implication should receive greater attention.
Originality does not necessarily require discovering an entirely new subject. It can also involve offering a distinctive interpretation, identifying an overlooked relationship, or proposing a well-supported way of understanding an existing problem.
4. Support the analysis with evidence
Use credible sources and relevant evidence to support your claims.
Depending on the topic, these may include official policy documents, research publications, institutional reports, reliable datasets, and other relevant material.
Distinguish between established facts, interpretations, and recommendations. This helps readers assess the strength of the argument and understand how the conclusions were reached.
5. Explain the policy implications
A policy paper should make the significance of its analysis clear.
Consider what the findings mean for decision-makers, institutions, or other relevant stakeholders. Where appropriate, explain possible responses to the problem and discuss the considerations that could influence their effectiveness.
Recommendations should follow logically from the analysis rather than appear as unsupported suggestions.
6. Write clearly and stay within the word limit
The paper must contain between 1,500 and 2,000 words.
Applicants should avoid unnecessary repetition, lengthy background sections, and arguments that do not contribute directly to the central question.
Use clear headings where helpful, organise the discussion logically, and ensure that the conclusion reflects the argument developed throughout the paper.
Before submission, check the word count and proofread the paper for clarity, grammar, accuracy, and consistency.
7. Explain why your perspective matters
The selection process considers an applicant’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to strategic dialogue.
A compelling paper should therefore demonstrate not only subject knowledge but also an understanding of why the issue deserves attention.
Applicants should aim to produce work that encourages further discussion, offers a valuable interpretation, or helps clarify an important policy challenge.
How to Apply for the Bucharest Forum Fellowship Program 2026
Interested applicants should complete the application process through the official form provided by Aspen Institute Romania.
The following steps offer a practical preparation sequence.
Step 1: Review the official announcement
Read the fellowship announcement carefully to understand the programme’s purpose, selection emphasis, paper themes, benefits, and deadline.
Step 2: Choose one of the five themes
Select one of the prescribed themes:
- Romania–Poland, the key relationship on the Eastern Flank
- Securing critical materials
- Moldova: the race for security and stability
- South Caucasus: between Russia, Iran and China, and the role of the EU
- Maritime security in a “Russian Lake”?
Ensure that the subject of your paper clearly corresponds to the selected theme.
Step 3: Prepare your policy paper
Write an original paper of 1,500–2,000 words.
The paper should communicate a focused argument, use relevant evidence, and demonstrate your capacity to contribute meaningfully to strategic dialogue.
Review the paper carefully before submission to ensure that it satisfies the word limit and is written in English.
Step 4: Complete the application form
Use the application form provided in the official announcement.
Follow the instructions in the form and provide the requested information accurately.
The supplied announcement does not reproduce the full list of form fields or specify additional documents beyond the policy paper requirement. Applicants should consult the form itself for the complete submission instructions rather than assume that an unlisted document is mandatory.
Step 5: Submit before the deadline
The application deadline is 31 October 2026.
Candidates should aim to complete their applications in advance to allow time to check their information and resolve any submission issues.
Step 6: Prepare for the Forum
The Bucharest Forum will take place on 19–20 November 2026 in Bucharest, Romania.
Selected fellows should review any subsequent communication from Aspen Institute Romania regarding the programme, publication arrangements, Forum participation, and other practical details.
The official call directs interested applicants to submit through the linked form by 31 October.
Application Deadline and Important Dates
Applicants should keep the following dates in mind when planning their submissions.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Fellowship announcement published | 6 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 31 October 2026 |
| Bucharest Forum | 19–20 November 2026 |
| Forum location | Bucharest, Romania |
The deadline stated in the announcement is 31 October 2026. The source does not provide a specific closing time, so applicants should consult the application form or contact the organisers if they need clarification.
Candidates should not confuse the application deadline with the Forum dates. Applications must be submitted before the end of October, while the Forum itself takes place later in November.
Click HERE for more information about Bucharest Forum Fellowship Program 2026.
What Makes This Fellowship Valuable for Early-Career Professionals?
The Bucharest Forum Fellowship can be particularly useful for professionals seeking to build experience at the intersection of research and public policy.
For early-career researchers, it offers a chance to develop and publish a policy paper that demonstrates subject knowledge and analytical ability. For established professionals, it provides an opportunity to contribute a new perspective to strategic dialogue and share their expertise with a wider audience.
The programme may be relevant to people pursuing careers in:
- Policy research and analysis
- International relations and foreign policy
- Security and defence studies
- Energy policy and critical materials
- Technology policy
- Governance and public affairs
- Academic research and strategic studies
These are potential career areas aligned with the fellowship’s themes, not guaranteed career outcomes or formal eligibility categories.
The value of the opportunity lies in the combination of original research, publication, exposure to a policy-focused audience, and engagement with a professional network.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bucharest Forum Fellowship 2026
1. What is the Bucharest Forum Fellowship Program?
It is a fellowship programme organised by Aspen Institute Romania as part of the Bucharest Forum. Selected fellows contribute original policy papers that are edited and published in the Forum’s paper series and presented to the Forum audience.
2. When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 31 October 2026.
3. When will the Bucharest Forum take place?
The 2026 Bucharest Forum will take place on 19–20 November 2026 in Bucharest, Romania.
4. How long should the policy paper be?
The paper must be at least 1,500 words and no more than 2,000 words.
5. Which topics can applicants write about?
Applicants must select one of five themes: Romania–Poland relations on the Eastern Flank, securing critical materials, Moldova’s security and stability, the South Caucasus and the roles of Russia, Iran, China and the EU, or maritime security.
6. Who can apply?
The call welcomes emerging and established voices with professional or academic backgrounds in security and defence policy, foreign policy, energy and critical materials, technology, public policy, or related fields.
Applicants should be fluent in English and able to contribute meaningfully to strategic dialogue.
7. Is the fellowship open to international applicants?
The announcement does not specify a nationality restriction or provide a list of eligible countries. It is therefore not possible to confirm a complete country-by-country eligibility policy from the announcement alone. Interested international applicants should consult the application form or contact Aspen Institute Romania if they require clarification.
8. Does the fellowship provide funding?
The announcement describes publication, Forum access, networking, and participation benefits but does not specify a monetary grant, stipend, or travel and accommodation funding. Applicants should not assume that these expenses are covered unless the organisers confirm this separately.
9. Will all submitted policy papers be published?
No such guarantee is stated. The publication benefit applies to selected fellows whose papers will be edited and published in the Bucharest Forum paper series.
10. Where can applicants submit their applications?
Applications can be submitted through the official form.
Conclusion
The Bucharest Forum Fellowship Program 2026 offers researchers, academics, policy professionals, and other qualified contributors an opportunity to publish original policy analysis and participate in strategic dialogue on issues affecting regional and international security.
Through Aspen Institute Romania and the Bucharest Forum, selected fellows can gain publication exposure, access plenary sessions, connect with policymakers and experts, and become part of a network of professionals contributing to strategic reflection.
Applicants must prepare an original English-language policy paper of 1,500–2,000 words addressing one of the five prescribed themes. A strong submission should demonstrate relevant expertise, present an original and evidence-based argument, and explain the significance of the issue for policy and strategic discussions.
The application deadline is 31 October 2026, and the Bucharest Forum will take place on 19–20 November 2026 in Bucharest, Romania.
If your academic or professional background aligns with the programme’s themes and you have a clear policy perspective to contribute, review the official announcement, select a suitable theme, prepare your paper, and submit your application before the deadline.
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