Applications for Cohort 4 (2025) of Public Policy New Voices Europe are now closed.
Become a Mentor
Following a mentoring-needs analysis in Spring 2025, each Fellow will be matched with experienced professionals, supporting them with their individual goals.
The mentoring relationship lasts for about nine months, with periodic meetings - we suggest monthly encounters. A selection of mentors will also be invited to participate in the in-person session at Schloss Leopoldskron at Salzburg in 2025.
Each year, Public Policy New Voices Europe brings together an interdisciplinary cohort of 30 students, graduates, and early career professionals based in Europe wishing to understand more about opportunities to affect change through public policy and aspiring to pursue a career in public policy in Europe.
Salzburg Global actively encourages applications from members of communities that have been historically less visible and privileged in the field of public policy. We especially welcome applications from people of color, those from ethnically diverse and/or migrant or refugee communities, disabled people, people from low-income backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBT*.
*LGBT: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender. We are using this term as it is currently widely used in human rights conversations on sexual orientation and gender identity in many parts of the world, and we would wish it to be read as inclusive of other cultural concepts, contemporary or historical, to express sexuality and gender, intersex and gender non-conforming identities.
Each year the Public Policy New Voices Europe Fellowship focuses on a public policy challenge topic. In 2025, the focus is on: Rebuilding Trust and Cohesion in European Public Policy.
Europe faces a pivotal moment as trust in public institutions reaches historic lows across the continent. Rising populism, regional secessionist movements, and growing dissatisfaction with both national and EU-wide entities are fragmenting communities and eroding the cohesion essential for a stable democratic society. Recent data shows that only 32% of EU citizens express confidence in the EU (source), while nearly 70% feel their voices are not heard in EU decision-making (source). This disillusionment is compounded by challenges such as disinformation, hybrid threats, and perceived accountability gaps, leaving citizens feeling disconnected from the institutions meant to serve them. Addressing these challenges is crucial for maintaining the integrity of European democracy and building resilient, transparent institutions that can foster unity and inclusivity.
The 2025 theme, Beyond Fragmentation: Rebuilding Trust and Cohesion in European Democracy, responds to these pressing needs by equipping emerging public policy leaders with innovative tools to counter polarization, combat disinformation, and promote transparent, accountable governance. Through a focus on strengthening institutional cohesion, tackling misinformation, aligning corporate responsibility with democratic values, and fostering inclusive dialogue, this program will empower leaders to address the complex realities of fragmentation in Europe. Participants will gain actionable insights to rebuild trust, create cohesive policies, and champion a vision of a united, resilient European democracy.
The program will explore four core subthemes:
Subthemes
Countering Fragmentation and Strengthening Institutional Cohesion
Rising populist and nationalist movements, alongside regional secessionist efforts, have increasingly strained EU cohesion. Public dissatisfaction is evident, with close to 70% of Europeans feeling unheard in EU decision-making (source). This subtheme will provide participants with frameworks to develop public policies that bridge political, cultural, and regional divides. The goal is to foster policies that address public concerns and strengthen connections between citizens and institutions.
Tackling Digital Disinformation and Hybrid Threats in Public Policy
Europe’s democracies face significant challenges from digital disinformation and hybrid threats that weaken institutional credibility and sway public opinion on issues like migration, economic policy, and environmental action. Research from the European Digital Media Observatory indicates that disinformation impacts nearly 60% of the EU population (source), challenging public policy leaders to respond effectively. This subtheme will equip future leaders with tools to identify and counteract mis and disinformation, fostering an informed, resilient public.
Corporate Responsibility and Democratic Trust
As confidence in public institutions declines, corporations in Europe are increasingly expected to play a role in supporting democratic stability through public policy engagement. Surveys show that 73% of Europeans believe corporations should uphold democratic values through corporate responsibility (source). This subtheme will explore how businesses can align their practices with democratic ideals, reinforcing trust through responsible leadership and sustainable practices.
Inclusive Dialogue Across Europe’s Diverse Public Policy Landscape
Europe’s cultural and linguistic diversity presents unique challenges for creating inclusive public policy. Approximately 40% of Europeans feel disconnected from EU institutions due to cultural and language barriers (source). This subtheme will provide leaders with the tools to foster open, culturally sensitive dialogue, respecting Europe’s pluralistic values and strengthening bonds across communities.
The Fellowship is targeted at people who are living/working/studying in one of the following countries of Europe:
To help us ensure maximum connectivity within the cohort and impact from the Fellowship, we are focusing on participants based in the countries listed above.
If you are based in the United States and are interested in the Fellowship, please visit the Public Policy New Voices Program website. If you are not based in the target countries, we encourage you to follow Salzburg Global on social media and to subscribe to our newsletter. We share opportunities to become part of our programs through these channels.
You are at an early stage of your career or in an academic program and your career ambition is to work in Europe in public policy, public service and policy development; in rule of law, business, finance, health, education and arts or in international and intergovernmental agencies and non-profit organizations.
You are passionate about using public policy to build democratic and inclusive societies in which diversity is valued and all citizens regardless of their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and nationalities are respected, have full access to resources, and are treated equally, do not experience discrimination, and are engaged in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.
You will be comfortable communicating in English, as this is the most common shared language of our international community and the working language of Salzburg Global Seminar. We’re not expecting perfection but want to be able to get to know you.
You will demonstrate an open mind and a commitment to gaining new perspectives. Prior international experience is not required– in fact we welcome people for whom this will be their first international exposure.
You are currently living and working or studying in one of the following countries of Europe:
Salzburg Global actively encourages applications from communities that have been historically less visible and privileged in the field of public policy. We especially welcome applications from people of color, those from ethnically diverse and/or migrant or refugee communities, disabled people, people from low-income backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBT*.
Salzburg Global aims to create opportunities for emerging leaders with as-yet unrecognized potential. The program actively targets individuals who have not had other leadership development, international networking, or internship opportunities. Therefore, this might not be for you if you have already taken part in multiple leadership programs, been able to travel abroad extensively with your work, established yourself as a leader in your field beyond your sector and/or local community, or long acted as trainer or mentor to others in your field.
But we welcome you sharing this opportunity with others in your community who might benefit from joining the Public Policy New Voices Europe Fellowship.
Our definition of public policy is broad, and you do not need to have studied or worked in the field of public policy to be eligible to apply. We are interested in supporting people who aspire to be the next generation of leaders in the field of public policy in Europe.
In line with the 2025 focus on Rebuilding Trust and Cohesion in European Democracy and the program strategy of Salzburg Global, we particularly welcome applications from people who are interested in exploring the intersections of:
Applicants should refer to one of these policy intersections when addressing the questions in the application form.
You will understand how your work relates to public policy, democracy, and global movements for diversity, equity and inclusion.
You will join an incredible international community of peers from across Europe dedicated to learning from, sharing, and exchanging with each other.
You will gain knowledge and networks in many fields of policy making, and have an opportunity to develop your own leadership abilities and approach.
You will use your ideas and sense of purpose to increase your impact and to work towards influencing the future of public policy strategies in your context.
You will commit to continuing and to doing even more, but not alone. Public Policy New Voices Europe is first and foremost a community, and by becoming part of this community, you will commit to supporting and holding up each other.
Thanks to the generous support of our partners, there is no cost to apply to or participate in the Public Policy New Voices Europe Fellowship. All costs associated with travel to the in-person meeting of the Fellowship including room and board will also be covered.
We regret that we are unable to consider applicants from outside of the countries listed in the application information.
Please note that third-party opportunity websites are not permitted to repost this application without our consent. Only applications submitted through our official application platform will be considered for review.