European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship 2026 | Europe | Fully Funded

Overview
The European Parliament Sakharov Fellowship is a fully funded programme designed for human rights defenders from countries outside the European Union. It brings together a small group of selected participants for an intensive two-week training in Europe.

Purpose
The purpose of the fellowship is to strengthen the capabilities of human rights advocates by introducing them to European Union policies, international human rights frameworks, and effective advocacy practices. Participants will also gain insights into how the European Parliament and EU institutions work to support human rights globally.

Training and Activities
During the programme, fellows will take part in workshops and sessions that cover:

• Communication and advocacy techniques
• Security, resilience, and well-being in human rights work
• Documentation and reporting of human rights violations
• Meetings with Members of the European Parliament, EU officials, and human rights organisations
• Networking and professional link building

After the training, fellows become members of the Sakharov Community, a network of past participants who continue to exchange best practices and maintain links with EU Delegations.

Dates and Location

• Duration: Two weeks (7–20 June 2026)
• Main Locations: Brussels and another EU Member State
• Host Organization: European Parliament
• Programme Site: European Parliament venues in Brussels and Venice (Global Campus of Human Rights)

Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must:

• Be from a non-EU country
• Have a proven record of human rights work, either independently or with an organisation
• Demonstrate a high level of English proficiency sufficient for active participation
• Be available for the full duration of the programme in Europe

Benefits Covered
The fellowship is fully funded and includes:

• Return travel from the participant’s country of residence
• Accommodation during the programme period
• A daily living allowance for the full duration of the training

Application Details

• Applicants must complete an online application form
• Required documents include passport, CV, educational certificates, proof of experience, and any other supporting materials
• The final deadline to apply is 15 February 2026