Czech-German Young Professionals Program 2026

CGYPP 2026 – Building Preparedness: A Czech-German Dialogue on European Security

The geopolitical landscape of Europe has fundamentally shifted, placing preparedness, security and defense at the forefront of the European agenda. Following a year dedicated to strengthening democratic values, the 17th year of the CGYPP will focus on how the Czech Republic and Germany can translate their commitments to strengthening their own defense into concrete collective preparedness.

Russian aggression against Ukraine and ongoing provocation at the NATO Eastern border has underscored the necessity of robust defense capabilities, transatlantic unity, and societal resilience. The era of focusing solely on „peace dividends“ is over; we must now critically assess our willingness to participate in collective defense and our readiness to face complex, multi-layered threats, ranging from conventional military aggression to hybrid warfare and economic coercion.

This year’s program will facilitate a vital Czech-German dialogue on the challenges and responsibilities tied to the security of Central Europe placing a special emphasis on engaging the next generation for a resilient future. We will move beyond abstract concepts to explore practical questions:

• How are our nations redefining their defense spending and military strategies to meet NATO targets and address modern threats?
• What is the role of the civilian sphere in national preparedness, including critical infrastructure protection, disinformation resilience, and the mobilization of resources?
• What lessons can we learn from our historical and current geopolitical positions regarding energy independence, supply chain security, and resistance to foreign influence?
• What is the role of the European Union in coordinating collective preparedness, and how can Czech-German cooperation help shape a stronger EU security architecture?
• How can societies themselves, through civic engagement, democratic resilience, public trust, and transgenerational dialogue contribute to national and European security in times of crisis?

Through seminars, high-level expert discussions, and on-site visits, participants will analyze the current security architecture and identify specific areas where closer Czech-German cooperation can solidify European resilience.

These and other topical questions will be addressed at the 17th year of the CGYPP.

What does CGYPP offer?

• Three intense and high-quality units consisting of seminars, on-site visits, peer-learning and intercultural team-building activities.
• Interaction with a broad range of distinguished German and Czech experts.
• The opportunity to develop one’s own initiative or project (podcast).
• Improvement of presentation, leadership, intercultural and media skills.
• Stimulus for a future professional career.
• Membership in a prestigious alumni network.

How to apply?

Tbc.

Conditions for your application:

Who are the participants?

• Czechs and Germans with open mind-set in the age of 25-40 with varying professional backgrounds (from the fields of academia, business, media, politics, public administration and NGOs)
• Selected 14 young professionals for one program year become Alumni after full attendance of the three program units

Who can apply?

Young professionals with at least 3 years’ work experience from the Czech Republic and Germany with strong interest in cross-sector and cross-border cooperation, who speak fluent English. Please note that our goal is to have as diverse group as possible, therefore only a limited number of participants with previous experience in long-term Czech-German programs will be selected.

In case of your acceptance we charge a one-time participation fee of 245 EUR. We cover your program arrangement, travel expenses, accommodation, and board. You are expected to attend all program component units in full. In justified cases (e.g., for employees in non-profit organizations) the participation fee may be reduced. In this case, please contact us by email.

Seminars 2026

The Czech-German Young Professionals Program (CGYPP), established in 2008, is an international network for young experts, multipliers, movers and shakers from Germany and the Czech Republic. The program interlinks the fields of academia, business, media, politics, public administration and NGO.

CGYPP connects people with different professional backgrounds. By exchanging and sharing experiences and perspectives, the participants not only broaden their horizons, improve communication and intercultural skills but also increase their social capital.

CGYPP was founded by the Association for International Affairs (AMO) and the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) and supported by the Czech-German Future Fund , Robert Bosch Stiftung and Federal Foreign Office.

Since 2014, CGYPP has been jointly organized by AMO and the European Academy Berlin (EAB).

It is financed by the Czech-German Future Fund and part of the EU-Program CERV.

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Impressions of CGYPP 2025: Seminar in Berlin– Empowering Democracy: Czech and German Answers 

Impressions of CGYPP 2024: Seminar in Prague – Czechia and Germany – Ready to Face Tomorrow’s Challenges Together?

Under the overarching theme of CGYPP 2024 „Czechia and Germany – Ready to Face Tomorrow’s Challenges Together?„, the second seminar of the programme year took place in Prague. It was a special seminar as it included a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the programme, which was attended not only by this year’s participants, but also by alumni and representatives of partners.

More Info from our partners:

Impressions of CGYPP 2024: Seminar in Berlin – Czechia and Germany – Ready to Face Tomorrow’s Challenges Together?

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Impressions of CGYPP 2023 – Searching for common ground: sustainable future for democracies

Impressions of CGYPP 2022 – How to build resilient societies