El-Hiwar Summer School on “Technology for Empowerment: Youth Agency in Digital Citizenship” | 1–5 September 2025 | Bruges & Brussels (BE)

The College of Europe is pleased to organise, in the framework of the EU-funded project El-Hiwar III, the fifth edition of its Summer School on Euro-Arab Relations. This year’s theme is “Technology for Empowerment: Youth Agency in Digital Citizenship”. It will take place in Bruges from 1 to 5 September 2025, with a study visit to Brussels.

 What is El-Hiwar?

The objective of this project is to strengthen dialogue, cooperation and collaboration with key regional actors involved in Euro-Arab relations, through a number of activities including institutional training courses, briefings, thematic workshops, and dialogue sessions.

Want to read more about the El-Hiwar Project? here. 

What is the El-Hiwar Summer School? 

5 days to explore how digital technologies can be used to foster youth engagement, strengthen Euro-Arab cooperation, and advance inclusive, democratic digital societies. 

The programme will combine different formats to maximise learning and peer exchange: 

• Live interactive lectures
• Skills-oriented workshops
• A study visit to EU institutions and relevant CSOs in Brussels
• “Ideas Lab” sessions for collaborative brainstorming
• Social activities and networking opportunities 

A maximum of 20 participants will be selected through this call for applications.
Language: English (Minimum requirement: Level B2)  

What topics will the Summer School cover? Why a focus on youth, technology and digital citizenship? 

Youth are at the heart of civic innovation and democratic resilience in the digital era. Yet, the opportunities of digital citizenship often come with challenges: exclusion, disinformation, digital divides, and lack of policy influence. 

This Summer School explores how youth across the EU and Arab countries can engage with and shape digital transformation for inclusive development, rights-based governance, and transregional cooperation. 

The thematic modules will address: 

• The evolution of Euro-Arab relations in the digital age
• Digital citizenship and youth-led civic engagement
• Technology and inclusion: bridging digital divides
• Youth advocacy in the age of misinformation
• EU and LAS strategies on digital transformation and innovation
• Skills-oriented modules: policy brief writing, project design, advocacy and digital storytelling 

For more details, please see the full Programme of the 2025 Summer School on Euro-Arab relations.

Why should I participate? 

Learn, connect, network and make your voice heard. 

Throughout the Summer School, you will be guided by expert facilitators to design and pitch concrete ideas for strengthening youth digital agency in Euro-Arab contexts. 

Each participant will draft a short policy brief or project proposal. While funding is not foreseen, selected ideas may be edited and published online after the Summer School. 

Take a look at previous editions' briefs! 

Do I qualify?

You are encouraged to apply if:

• You are a citizen of a EU Member State or a League of Arab States country;
• You are an emerging youth leader or young professional under 35 working in civil society, public institutions, media, tech, academia, or youth-led initiatives;
• You have at least 1-3 year of relevant experience in digital rights, civic engagement, public policy, or youth empowerment;
• You have experience in drafting policy documents or implementing advocacy or cooperation projects;
• You are eager to co-design a brief or project proposal to promote youth digital agency in Euro-Arab relations;
• You have a good command of English (minimum level B2).

How can I apply?

The call for applications are closed. 

Due to the high number of registrations, we cannot accept late applications!  

Important information:

• Only fully completed applications will be considered
• All documents must be submitted in English, or accompanied by an English translation
• Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted
• Only selected candidates and those on the reserve list will be notified
• Selected participants will attend free of charge. Travel, accommodation in Bruges, meals, tuition, and materials are fully sponsored by the project

Thank you for your interest and good luck with your application! 

For queries, contact us at: elhiwar@coleurope.eu