Leaders Europe

Leaders Europe is a six-month, virtual leadership development journey that seeks to inspire, empower, and connect emerging leaders from across Europe. Each Leaders Europe cohort includes up to 35 participants annually.

A woman with a light skin tone stands outdoors for a portrait. Her arms are crossed. She has short brown hair and is wearing a red top and lipstick. Apartments are blurred in the background.

About

The Leaders Europe program identifies emerging leaders working in government, civil society, and the private sector who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good. It aims to build a growing network of innovative and values-based changemakers who seek to drive change in their communities while developing and supporting one another. Through a core set of shared values and leadership skills, the program seeks to lift up a new generation of civically active, positive role models who are prepared to create tangible solutions to the challenges in their communities, countries, Europe, and the world.

Program offerings include:

  • Timely conversations

    Over six months, Leaders come together for virtual meetings to discuss some of the most challenging issues confronting Europe with the community leaders at the forefront of them.

  • Skill-building trainings

    Tailored workshops support Leaders in identifying and activating personal values; engaging across differences and harnessing inclusive forms of power, and building skills for pragmatic, adaptive leadership over the long haul.

  • A community of support

    The program includes opportunities for Leaders to meet virtually in small groups and for one-on-one conversations to build deep, lasting relationships that will carry them through their leadership journey.

  • Inspirational cultural events

    An exciting series of virtual cultural events like live performances and stimulating conversations with artists and creative thinkers fosters a strong spirit of hope and community.

How to apply

The application for the 2025-2026 Leaders program is now closed. Please check back here for updates on our 2026-2027 Leaders application.

Women with light skin tones and a range of short and long brown hair sit at a table and talk. All are dressed professionally.

  • Location

    The program currently invites individuals residing in any of the 46 Council of Europe member states (Opens in a new tab) and Kosovo to apply.

  • Citizenship and Residency

    You must meet one of the following criteria:

    • Citizen of an eligible country or territory OR 

    • Permanent resident of an eligible country or territory OR 

    • A refugee or asylum seeker in an eligible European nation or territory OR

    • Have lived in an eligible country or territory for at least the last 5 years, regardless of citizenship or permanent residence status 

  • Geographic Focus

    Your work is geographically focused on creating positive change for local communities, an eligible nation, and/or the broader Europe region. You demonstrate a strong commitment to continue to focus your work in the Europe region.

  • Program Commitment

    The Leaders Europe program is currently scheduled to begin the week of September 1, 2025 and will conclude no later than May 1, 2026, with planned breaks throughout.

  • Language Proficiency & Age

    You are professionally proficient in English and you will be between 24 and 45 years of age on September 1, 2025.

  • Leadership Experience

    You can demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant experience in your issue area. 

  • Political Campaigns

    You will refrain from participating in an electoral campaign as a candidate for political office from the time you are accepted into the program through May 1, 2026. Selection decisions are currently scheduled to be sent out in June 2025.

  • Jurisdiction and Ability to Participate in a U.S.-Based Program

    The Obama Foundation is based in the United States. To participate in the program, you must be under no legal or regulatory restrictions that would limit your participation in virtual Foundation programming or travel to the U.S. for in-person programming (if any).

FAQs

For more information about the Obama Foundation Leaders Europe program and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, visit our FAQ page.

See Leaders Europe FAQs

Sign up for the latest on the Obama Foundation

Get the latest news and updates by signing up for Obama Foundation emails. (All fields required.)

Meet the 2024-2025 Europe Leaders

Former Europe Leaders

2023

Learn more

2022

Learn more

2020

Learn more

More Obama Leaders Programs by Region

Leaders-Africa

Leaders Africa

The Leaders Africa program seeks to build a growing network of innovative changemakers who will drive positive change in their communities.

Learn more
Leaders-Asia-Pacific

Leaders Asia-Pacific

Discover more about Obama Foundation Leaders Asia-Pacific.

Learn more
leaders-usa2

Leaders United States

The Leaders USA program is a six-month, non-residential leadership development program that seeks to inspire, empower, and connect emerging leaders across the country.

Learn more