Deadline: February 15, 2026
The European Parliament’s Sakharov Fellowships 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded capacity-building programme designed for human rights defenders from non-EU countries. The fellowship offers an intensive in-person training experience that strengthens advocacy skills, enhances engagement with international human rights mechanisms, and builds long-term professional networks within the European Union and beyond.
Unlike an award or prize, the Sakharov Fellowship is a practical training and learning opportunity aimed at supporting individuals who are actively engaged in the defence and promotion of human rights under challenging conditions.
About the Sakharov Fellowship Programme
The Sakharov Fellowship is organised by the European Parliament as part of its broader commitment to promoting freedom of thought, democracy, and fundamental rights worldwide. The programme brings together a select group of human rights defenders for structured learning, peer exchange, and direct engagement with European institutions and civil society actors.
Participants take part in workshops, briefings, and meetings that focus on strengthening their impact, resilience, and international advocacy strategies.
Programme Duration and Location
- Dates: 7 – 20 June 2026
- Duration: Approximately two weeks
- Location: Brussels, Belgium, and a second European Union location
The fellowship is delivered entirely in person, allowing participants to benefit from immersive learning and direct interaction with policymakers, experts, and fellow human rights defenders.
Who Can Apply
The European Parliament’s Sakharov Fellowships 2026 is open to:
- Human rights defenders from countries outside the European Union
- Individuals working independently or as part of a civil society organisation
- Applicants with a demonstrated track record in human rights work
- Candidates with a good command of English, as all sessions are conducted in English
The programme welcomes defenders working across diverse thematic areas, including but not limited to civil liberties, gender equality, freedom of expression, minority rights, and social justice.
What the Fellowship Covers
The Sakharov Fellowship is fully funded, ensuring that selected participants can focus entirely on learning and collaboration. The fellowship covers:
- Return international airfare from the participant’s country of residence
- Accommodation for the full duration of the programme
- A daily subsistence allowance to cover living expenses during the fellowship
In addition to financial support, fellows gain access to high-level networking opportunities with Members of the European Parliament, EU officials, international organisations, and fellow human rights defenders from across the world.
Selection Criteria
Selection is competitive and based on merit. Key considerations include:
- Demonstrated commitment and impact in human rights work
- Relevance of the applicant’s experience to the objectives of the fellowship
- Regional, thematic, and gender balance among selected fellows
Only a limited number of candidates are selected, making early preparation and a strong application essential.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 February 2026 (midnight CET)
- Notification of Selected Applicants: By 9 March 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit well before the deadline to avoid last-minute challenges.
Why Apply for the Sakharov Fellowship
Participating in the European Parliament’s Sakharov Fellowships 2026 provides human rights defenders with:
- Advanced advocacy and policy engagement skills
- Deeper understanding of EU institutions and international human rights frameworks
- Long-term professional connections with peers and decision-makers
- Increased visibility and credibility for their human rights work
This fellowship is a unique opportunity to strengthen both individual capacity and collective impact.
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