Congress of Young Europeans Tirana 2025

What does it mean to speak of the “Ends of Europe”? How can we reflect on what Europe means and what it could become through the prism of its ends: as in geographies, goals, limits, and potential endings?

The Heinrich Böll Foundation, Washington, DC will be sending a small number of fellowship recipients to the 9th Congress of Young Europeans, taking place in Tirana, Albania, from October, 9–12, 2025. The congress is part of a long-standing biannual initiative organized by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung (the German Green Political Foundation) in collaboration with the Federation of Young European Greens and the Green European Foundation, to bring together young, green-minded, civically engaged people from across the continent.

The 2025 edition, held under the theme “The Ends of Europe” invites young people from across Europe  to engage in a critical exploration of Europe’s purpose, direction, and future transformation – both as a political project and as a lived, contested reality. For the first time, we will also be sending a small delegation from the US and Canada to be part of these conversations –
to engage with and learn from their European peers and have stimulating political debates that can inform their work and activism back home. 

The four-day program will feature a diverse mix of workshops, panel discussions, and talks by influential figures from politics, civil society, arts, culture and education. At the heart of the congress is a strong emphasis on youth (under 30) participation, with plenty of space for young people’s voices, opinions, and initiatives on green topics to take center stage. Alongside the political program, participants will also have opportunities to explore Tirana, the capital of Albania, and connect with one another through meetings with local activists, cultural experiences, group dinners, and social gatherings.

Themes We’ll Explore:

• Geopolitical ends: Borders, peripheries, migration and freedom of movement


• Moral and political ends: What does Europe stand for? What should it strive for — in the face of rising authoritarianism, shrinking civic space, and anti-gender movements?


• Crisis-driven ends: War, climate collapse, democratic backsliding, and the politics of fear


• Cultural and identity fault lines: How do narratives around religion, nation, gender, and race divide or connect Europe?


• Transformative ends: Visions for post-national futures, new solidarities, sustainable ecologies, and reimagining democracy

This congress is a space for bold reflection, critical dialogue, and creative experimentation – not a traditional policy conference. It is a space to question, reinvent, and build lasting new relationships.

Who Should Apply?

We invite young people aged 18 – 30 from the US and Canada who are:

• Politically or socially active on green, progressive topics


• Involved in activism, research, community work, or the arts


• Interested in Europe’s cultural, ecological, and democratic futures


• Eager to connect across borders and build lasting networks

Working language: English

Please fill out the application form by August 25, 2025.

You’ll be asked to share:

• A resume


• A short personal background


• Your motivation for participating


• Why international exchange would benefit your work

Participation is free. The Heinrich Böll Foundation, Washington, DC will pay for your travel and accommodations. Meals will be provided as part of the program.You should expect to cover incidentals.

Contact: Questions? Reach out to Carl Roberts at Carl.Roberts[at]us.boell.org

The congress receives financial support from the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this event.