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, you are invited to apply for the NATO’s Future Seminar 2026, taking place from 6–8 November 2026 in Berlin.You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here
Event Overview
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.
Programme Structure:
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.
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Application Requirements:
As part of the application process, applicants are asked to:
- Indicate their preferred workshop
- Upload their CV
- Submit a cover letter (maximum 500 words) outlining their motivation for participating in the seminar
Workshop Options:
Workshop I: Advancing European Defence
Closing Capability Gaps and Sharing the Burden
- A stronger European contribution to NATO requires more than higher defence spending
- Depends on coordinated capability development, closer defence industrial cooperation, and greater political commitment
- Explores how European Allies can strengthen military readiness and improve interoperability
- Focuses on contributing more effectively to NATO’s collective defence
- Uses strategic foresight methods to examine possible future scenarios
- Discusses how Europe can become a stronger and more capable pillar of the Alliance
Workshop II: Beyond the Battlefield
Deterrence, Strategic Resolve and Europe’s Support for Ukraine
- Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to reshape the European security landscape
- Sustaining support for Ukraine remains a key challenge for European Allies
- Focuses on strengthening deterrence against Russia and responding to hybrid threats
- Examines Europe’s evolving role in safeguarding the European security order
- Explores how to maintain NATO’s credibility
- Uses scenario based discussions and strategic foresight exercises to analyse future developments and possible responses
Eligibility:
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- 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.
Benefits for Selected Participants:
Selected participants will receive:
- Accommodation for the duration of the seminar
- Partial reimbursement of travel expenses, up to 100 € for travel within Germany and up to 200 € for international travel
Key Dates:
Application Deadline: 6 September 2026, 23:59 CEST
Seminar Dates: 6–8 November 2026
Location: Berlin, Germany
How to Apply:
- Fill out the official application form
- Indicate your preferred workshop
- Upload your CV
- Submit a cover letter of no more than 500 words explaining your motivation to attend
