Balkans Forward Congressional Fellowship, Europe Center

The Atlantic Council’s Europe Center invites applications for its annual Balkans Forward Congressional Fellowship designed to deepen the expertise and networks of United States Congressional staff. The 12-month Fellowship entails master classes, briefings, other educational events in Washington, and a regional study tour.

The Atlantic Council’s Balkans Forward Initiative is a unique, coordinated effort to foster a democratic, secure, and prosperous Western Balkans firmly integrated into the transatlantic community. Our work seeks to reinvigorate US engagement in the region, advance effective U.S.-European cooperation on issues impacting the Western Balkans, foster dialogue among key actors across the region, and cultivate a new generation of decision-makers and experts. The Balkans Forward Initiative provides analysis on regional developments, organizes delegations to the region, develops strategy and policy recommendations, and regularly convenes relevant US and regional leaders. Most recent examples have included EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski, European Commissioner Gert Jan Koopman, EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Peter Sørensen, Regional Cooperation Council Secretary General Amer Kapetanović, President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović, and EU Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Luigi Soreca.

The Balkans Forward Congressional Fellowship is a bipartisan, bicameral fellowship program that develops the expertise and builds the networks of Congressional staff on Balkans related issues. The Fellowship connects staff members from the United States House and Senate with Atlantic Council Senior Fellows, leading US experts, and representatives from Balkan governments, business and civil society. Through the 12-month Fellowship, staff will participate in off-the-record roundtables, briefings, and master classes with visiting policymakers and experts to discuss critical issues in the region. The Fellowship and its programming seeks to build greater awareness and understanding among congressional policymakers of the challenges and opportunities facing the Western Balkans and support informed U.S. policy toward the region.

Issues Covered Include But Are Not Limited To

• The History of the modern Western Balkans
• NATO and EU integration Processes of the Western Balkans
• Impact of the war in Ukraine on EU enlargement and implications for the region
• Democratic reform in the region and the potential for democratic backsliding
• Economic transformation and obstacles to regional development
• Regional security, conflicts, and territorial disputes
• US foreign policy options in Southeast Europe
• Influence of foreign actors including Russia and China in the Western Balkans
• Combating crime and corruption
• Strengthening the region’s resilience to disinformation
  
  

The Fellowship includes a week-long regional study tour to the Balkans in Summer 2026, during which staff members will have senior meetings with government, opposition, civil society, and private sector representatives from a variety of Balkan countries, focusing on U.S. policy, regional security, economic development, crime and corruption, judicial reform, and law enforcement issues in the region.

About The Atlantic Council

Driven by our mission of “working together to secure the future,” the Atlantic Council promotes constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the Atlantic Community’s central role in meeting global challenges. The Council provides an essential forum for navigating the dramatic economic and political changes defining the twenty-first century by informing and galvanizing its uniquely influential network of global leaders. Through the papers we write, the ideas we build, and the communities we convene, the Council shapes policy choices and strategies to create a more secure and prosperous world.

Application Requirements

• Legislative Assistant or above with 2 years of experience working on Capitol Hill or in a similar, relevant position. Committee staff and CRS experts may apply.
• Experience with a portfolio related to Europe/Eurasia, foreign or defense policy, international trade and economics, human rights, democratization, international judicial or law enforcement cooperation, foreign operations/appropriations, or intelligence.
• Professional focus or strong demonstrable Balkan regional interest is preferred.
• Ability and commitment to attend at least 5 roundtable discussions in person (weekdays near Capitol Hill, approximately 6:30-8:00 p.m.) and other relevant fellowship programming. There will be approximately 5-7 events total over the course of the Fellowship.
  
  

To apply to the program, please provide a resume, two professional references, and answers to the three questions below. Each of the following questions should be answered in fewer than 250 words.

• What do you hope to gain from participation in the Balkans Forward Fellowship?
• Explain a major regional, political, economic or security development that you are tracking or would like to learn more about?
• From your perspective, why does the Western Balkan region matter for transatlantic security?
  
  

Applications close on Monday, January 12, 2026 (11:59 pm EST). The Fellowship will start in January 2026. Please e-mail Lisa Homel at lhomel@atlanticcouncil.org with questions related to the program.