NATO's Future Seminar 2026

Europe's Contribution to NATO: Between Transatlantic Security Guarantees and Greater Strategic Responsibility

How can Europe strengthen its role within NATO while preserving the transatlantic partnership? What capabilities are needed to ensure credible deterrence, enhance collective defence, and respond to an increasingly complex security environment?

If you are interested in shaping the future of transatlantic security, we invite you to apply for the NATO's Future Seminar 2026, taking place from 6–8 November 2026 in Berlin.

Each year, YATA Germany brings together around 30 students, researchers, and young professionals from NATO and Partnership for Peace (PfP) member countries for an intensive weekend of dialogue, expert exchange, and collaborative learning. The seminar offers participants the opportunity to engage directly with policymakers, military practitioners, academics, and representatives of international experts while expanding their professional network across the Alliance.

Against the backdrop of the 2026 NATO Summit and the ongoing debate on building a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO, this year's seminar examines Europe's growing responsibility for collective defence. Discussions will focus on strengthening European defence capabilities, improving burden-sharing within the Alliance, reinforcing deterrence against Russia, and ensuring long-term support for Ukraine—all while preserving the transatlantic bond that remains at the core of NATO.

The programme combines high-level panel discussions with interactive workshop sessions. Working alongside experts and fellow participants, attendees will explore future security challenges through strategic foresight methods, developing and discussing different scenarios for Europe's future role within NATO. In addition, participants will gain first-hand insights into Germany's security and defence institutions and connect with young security professionals from across the Alliance.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNot Specified
• Study LevelPhD , Postdoctoral Fellowships
• SponsorNorth Atlantic Treaty Organization
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Selected participants will receive accommodation for the duration of the seminar as well as partial reimbursement of travel expenses (up to 100 € for travel within Germany and up to 200 € for international travel).

Requirements

Applicants should:

• be students, researchers, or young professionals up to the age of 35;
• hold the citizenship of a NATO or Partnership for Peace (PfP) member country;
• demonstrate a strong interest in transatlantic security and defence policy;
• be willing to actively contribute to discussions throughout the seminar.

Membership in YATA Germany is not required.

Application Documents

• As part of the application process, applicants are asked to indicate their preferred workshop
• Upload their CV
• And submit a cover letter (maximum 500 words) outlining their motivation for participating in the seminar.

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Eutopia PhD Co-tutelle Call

Application Deadline

How To Apply

For more information, kindly visit the NATO webpage.