Young European Security Conference 2026
From 26 to 27 February 2026, around 200 young people from across Europe will come together in Berlin to develop and discuss their own ideas and proposals on security policy issues with experts from academia, politics, and civil society. Join us!
This year’s conference is themed:
„Youth Perspectives on Shifting Powers – Rethinking Security in a Multipolar World“
The conference is an initiative for security policy education, organized by the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe and the Hertie Foundation. At a time when international conflicts and security issues are becoming increasingly relevant, we want to explore these topics together with you and other young people, and make your perspectives heard.
From 26 to 27 February 2026, around 200 young people aged 16 to 21 from across Europe will meet in Berlin. In various working groups, you will have the opportunity to learn about current security policy issues, exchange ideas, and bring attention to your concerns.
In addition to the working group program, you can look forward to interactive formats such as a World Café and discussions with experts. The highlight of the conference is a ceremonial closing discussion, where the results of the working groups will be presented and discussed with high-level guests.
The Young European Security Conference not only gives you the chance to expand your knowledge, but also to meet decision-makers, experts, and other young people interested in security policy.
The conference language is English, and no prior knowledge is required. If you are not from Berlin, we provide accommodation during the conference (arrival on 25 February, departure on 28 February), and travel costs can be reimbursed up to €140.
Working Groups
This year, all participants will again be part of a working group during the conference, where you will work in small teams on a specific topic. To ensure a good start for everyone according to their individual knowledge level, two levels will be offered for the first time this year: Intro and Advanced. The Intro level is aimed at participants with little or no prior experience in security policy topics. The Advanced level is for those who already have basic knowledge and are familiar with the fundamental concepts and debates in security policy. Relevant experience could include your studies, participation in last year’s conference, or involvement in another security policy program or format.
This year’s working groups will focus on the following topics:
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Intro Level
Intro 1: Europe’s Security at a Crossroads: Beyond U.S. Leadership?
In a multipolarized world, good transatlantic relations can no longer be taken for granted. U.S. priorities are shifting, and Europe faces the question of whether it can build stronger security structures of its own. This working group introduces the debate on NATO and EU security initiatives, and the concept of “strategic autonomy.” Participants will reflect on how shifting power balances affect Europe’s security architecture and transatlantic cohesion.
Intro 2: Climate & Security: When the Planet Heats Up, So Do Conflicts
The consequences of climate change illustrate how non-military factors can alter global power relations. Rising seas, droughts, and extreme weather place pressure on fragile states and create new sources of instability. NATO and the UN now identify climate change as a “threat multiplier” that accelerates global risks. This working group examines how environmental changes intersect with shifting power dynamics and what this means for future security policy.
Intro 3: Trade Wars: How Economic Competition Shapes International Security
Economic measures are increasingly used as instruments of power. Sanctions, tariffs, and technology restrictions shape the competition between major powers, from U.S.-China rivalry to EU responses against Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. This group will explore the effectiveness of these instruments, the risks of escalation, and how economic security is becoming central to global power shifts.
Intro 4: Women, Peace & Security: Why Gender Matters in Conflict
The global order is shaped not only by states, but also by social perspectives and participation. The UN’s Women, Peace and Security agenda highlights how inclusive decision-making can create more sustainable peace. In times of shifting power relations, the role of women and gender perspectives becomes even more important for legitimacy and effectiveness of peace processes. This working group discusses how gender perspectives contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of security in a multipolar world.
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Advanced Level
Advanced 1: Arms Control in Crisis: Nuclear Weapons, AI & the Future of War
Nuclear weapons remain a constant threat to global security, with states such as Russia and others continuing to signal their potential use. At the same time, traditional arms control treaties are eroding, weakening established frameworks for strategic stability. Rapid technological advances are transforming the landscape of modern warfare, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and biotechnology introduce new regulatory and ethical challenges. This working group examines how the evolving capabilities and strategies of the United States, Russia, China, and other states affect the future of arms control, and considers what new frameworks and approaches may be necessary to maintain stability in a fragmented and multipolar international order.
Advanced 2: Cyber Conflicts & Critical Infrastructure: What Happens When Systems Fail?
Cyberattacks have become a major instrument in contemporary security and conflict. Critical infrastructure, including energy grids, transportation networks, hospitals, and financial systems, is increasingly targeted, creating risks of wide-ranging disruption. State and non-state actors, including sophisticated cyber units from Russia, China, and other countries, exploit vulnerabilities for strategic, economic, or political purposes. This working group examines the types of threats facing critical systems, the consequences of large-scale disruptions, and the strategies and policies that can enhance resilience, preparedness, and response in the cyber domain.
Advanced 3: Who Shapes European Security? Assessing Europe’s Ability to Respond to Security Challenges
Europe’s security landscape has evolved significantly since World War II. Regional organizations such as the EU and NATO play a central role in coordinating policies, mediating conflicts, and fostering cooperation. Today, European states face complex challenges, from geopolitical tensions with the US, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and China’s growing influence on global politics, to internal divisions that affect their ability to act collectively. This working group examines Europe’s capacity to manage crises and respond to security challenges like Russian aggression, considering for example military capabilities, critical industries, societal resilience, and political decision-making. Participants will examine how power, strategic priorities, and institutional structures interact to shape Europe’s ability to maintain stability, foster cooperation, and respond to both traditional and emerging threats in an increasingly uncertain environment.
Advanced 4: Health Security in a Globalized World: Preparing for Future Crises
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the profound impact that health crises can have on national and international security. Disruptions in health systems and medical supply chains can undermine societal stability, economic functioning, and government capacity to respond to emergencies. In addition, access to medicines and vaccines has increasingly become a factor in geopolitical competition, influencing alliances and global influence. This working group examines how health is integrated into security policy and strategic planning, how international cooperation can be strengthened, and how preparedness and resilient health systems contribute to overall stability and security in a complex world.
Photo: Anne Barth
FAQs
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Participation Age
Participants must be between 16 and 21 years old at the time of the event. Please note that participants under 18 can only attend if accompanied by a teacher.
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Communication
We have a Discord server where all participants can connect and exchange ideas. Every participant will receive a link to access it. Important information will also be sent by email, so please keep an eye on your inbox.
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Meals
If you stay at the hostel, breakfast is included. Participants from Berlin should have breakfast at home.
Vegetarian lunch will be provided on Thursday and Friday as part of the program. On Thursday evening, there will also be a joint dinner for all participants, which is voluntary. On Friday evening, there will be a longer break so you can get something to eat before the closing session. During the closing event itself, only (vegetarian) finger food will be provided after the discussion.
Special dietary requirements can be communicated to us at a later stage. We will inform you in time
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Travel Costs
Please only book your travel after your participation has been confirmed. All travel must be booked independently by you before the conference, and costs are initially covered by the participant. Travel expenses can only be reimbursed if they comply with the travel reimbursement guidelines (link will follow). Please read these carefully before booking your travel. After the conference, we will send you a form to fill out to claim your reimbursement. The maximum reimbursement is €140 per person. Please keep all receipts (tickets, booking confirmations, invoices, boarding passes, public transport tickets, etc.) as only with proper documentation can we reimburse your costs.
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Accommodation
If you are not from Berlin, we can provide free accommodation. You will stay at St Christopher’s Inn Berlin – Alexanderplatz (Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 39-41, 10178 Berlin) in shared rooms with other participants. Breakfast is included.
Arrival is on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, and departure is on Saturday, 28 February 2026 (check-in: 3 pm / check-out: 11 am).
If you wish to stay additional nights, you will need to book and pay for them yourself.
After your participation is confirmed, we will give you the option to indicate whether you want to stay in a gender-segregated room or with specific people. We will do our best to accommodate your preferences, but cannot guarantee that all requests can be fulfilled.
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Visa
If you need a visa for the conference, we are happy to support you with an invitation letter for the embassy. Please send an email to events@schwarzkopf-stiftung.de with the following information:
- First and last name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Date of issue
- Date of expiry
- Issuing authority
- Nationality
- Name and address of the embassy/consulate + email address where the invitation should be sent
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Certificate of Participation
Certificates of participation can be issued upon request after the conference. Please note that a certificate can only be issued if you have attended all parts of the conference. If your school requires confirmation before the conference that you have been accepted, we can provide such a letter upon request. Please email us your name and your school’s name at events@schwarzkopf-stiftung.de.
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Dress Code
There is no dress code for the conference. Just wear what makes you feel comfortable.
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