Are you a young locally elected official looking to deepen your understanding of European policy and strengthen your leadership skills?
Join the autumn edition of the ‘School of European Policies for Local Government,’ organised by Akadémeia (founded by Dario Nardella, former Mayor of Florence and current MEP) in partnership with the Eurocities Academy.
This second edition of the school consists of in-person meetings in the city of Florence and a series of online sessions. It builds on a successful Italian pilot to offer a truly European experience, bringing together young elected representatives from across the EU.
Tailored to the needs of local politicians under 35, the programme provides a unique opportunity to combine high-level training on European affairs with practical tools for addressing today’s complex local challenges, from climate and digital transitions to social inclusion and democratic renewal.
Designed to build political capacity, enhance civic engagement, and connect local leadership with EU policy-making, the course blends in-person and online sessions and features contributions from prominent European leaders, policy experts, academics, and practitioners.
A total of 50 places are available for this competitive autumn session.
What you will learn
The autumn 2025 edition will address four key themes central to the future of local leadership in Europe:
- Artificial intelligence and local government: Discover how AI can improve public services and urban management, while addressing ethical risks and protecting citizens’ rights.
- Democracy and participation: Learn how cities can renew democratic life through citizen engagement, inclusive governance, and resilience against disinformation.
- Security, immigration and integration: Explore how urban areas can promote safety, social cohesion, and effective integration within the context of EU migration policies.
- The economy of internal areas: Examine the challenges and opportunities for smaller and less-connected areas, and how EU support can foster local resilience and development.
In addition, a cross-cutting module on EU engagement for cities, delivered by Eurocities Academy, will equip participants with the skills and knowledge to navigate the EU policy landscape, access funding, influence legislation, and position their city within Europe’s key initiatives.
Format and dates:
The course will run from October to December 2025, including:
- 10 October: Onboarding meeting (online)
- 24-25 October: In-person session in Florence
- 7-8 November: Online session
- 21-22 November: Online session
- 5-6 December: In-person session in Florence
Who can apply?
The call is open to:
- Elected local officials under 35
- From cities with over 80,000 inhabitants
- Based in any European country (EU and non-EU)
- Holding a bachelor’s degree and C1 level of English
How to apply
Submit your application by 7 September 2025. You will need to provide:
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV), your ID, a letter of motivation, and a 45-second video presentation
Apply here: Akadémeia: European School for Young Local Leaders – Autumn 2025 edition
Successful candidates will be notified by 15 September 2025.
Costs
A symbolic enrolment fee of €100 is required. Accommodation is covered for people who take part in the in-person sessions in Florence. However, participants will need to pay for their own travel costs.
