31 August - 4 September 2026 | Bruges & Brussels (Belgium)

العربية – Download (Information in Arabic will be provided soon)

The College of Europe is pleased to organise, within the framework of the EU-funded project El-Hiwar III, the sixth edition of its Summer School on Euro-Arab Relations.

The 2026 edition focuses on Peace Mediation and Conflict Prevention in Euro-Arab Cooperation.

The Summer School will take place in Bruges during the week of 31 August - 4 September 2026 and will include a study visit to Brussels, with meetings with EU institutions and Brussels-based peacebuilding organisations.

A maximum of 18 participants will be selected and fully sponsored(1) through this call for applications.

Language: English (minimum required level: B2).

What is El-Hiwar?

El-Hiwar III is an EU-funded initiative aimed at strengthening dialogue, cooperation and structured engagement between the European Union (EU) and the League of Arab States (LAS), as well as with relevant stakeholders from both regions.

The project organises institutional training courses, policy dialogues, thematic workshops, summer schools and other capacity-building activities designed to enhance mutual understanding and practical cooperation.

More information about the El-Hiwar project is available here.

What is the El-Hiwar Summer School? 

A five-day intensive programme designed to:

• Deepen knowledge of Euro-Arab Relations;
• Explore EU–LAS cooperation in mediation and conflict prevention;
• Strengthen practical skills in negotiation, mediation and cross-cultural communication;
• Foster a community of practitioners committed to constructive Euro-Arab dialogue.

The programme combines different formats to maximise learning and peer exchange:

• Live interactive lectures delivered by senior experts and practitioners;
• Skills-oriented workshops (mediation techniques, negotiation, cross-cultural communication);
• “Ideas Lab” sessions for collaborative policy reflection;
• A study visit to EU institutions and Brussels-based organisations active in peacebuilding.

What topics will the Summer School cover?

In a context of increasing geopolitical tensions and protracted conflicts affecting both regions, mediation and prevention are central to sustainable peace.

This Summer School will explore:

• The evolution of Euro-Arab Relations and their institutional framework;
• International and regional mediation architectures (including UN, EU and LAS frameworks);
• Conflict prevention and crisis response mechanisms;
• Ceasefires, DDR and SSR processes;
• The role of civil society in peace mediation;
• Inclusive approaches to peace processes, including women’s participation;
• Practical skills for mediation and negotiation.

For more details, please see the full programme of the 2026 Summer School on Euro-Arab Relations.

Why should I participate?

• Strengthen your expertise in peace mediation and Euro-Arab cooperation;
• Engage directly with practitioners and institutional representatives;
• Expand your professional network across the EU and the Arab region;
• Contribute concrete ideas to reinforce structured dialogue between the EU and the LAS.

Throughout the week, participants will be guided by experienced facilitators and will collaborate with peers from diverse professional and national backgrounds.

Do I qualify?

You are encouraged to apply if:

• You are a citizen of an EU Member State or a League of Arab States country;
• You have at least three years of relevant professional experience (e.g. in EU or LAS institutions, civil society organisations, think tanks or academia);
• You have demonstrated interest or experience in Euro-Arab Relations;
• You have professional experience in peace mediation, negotiation, conflict prevention or peacebuilding initiatives;
• You are motivated to develop a concrete policy brief or project proposal within the Euro-Arab framework;
• You have a good command of English (minimum level B2).

Priority will be given to young professionals, early-career researchers and practitioners.

How can I apply?

Click here to submit your application.

Application deadline: 20 May 2026, 23:59 CEST (Central European Summer Time).

Important information

• Only fully completed applications will be considered;
• All documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by an English translation;
• Late applications will not be accepted;
• Only selected candidates and reserve-list candidates will be notified.

(1) Selected participants (except EU staff) will attend free of charge. Travel to Bruges (including visa and insurance costs where applicable), accommodation, meals, tuition and training materials are fully covered by the project.

For queries, please contact: elhiwar@coleurope.eu