If you are an early-career scholar or practitioner passionate about democracy and the rule of law in Europe, the re:constitution Fellowships 2025/2026 are now accepting applications. This prestigious programme offers 15 fellowships across two distinct tracks, providing opportunities to engage in research, collaboration, and professional development. Details in this article.
re:constitution Fellowships Summary
Location: Various European countries
Host Institutions: Research institutions and practical organizations across the EU, non-EU EEA, EU candidate countries, UK, or Switzerland
Academic Level: Postdoctoral researchers and practitioners
Target Group: Early- and mid-career scholars and practitioners focusing on democracy and the rule of law in Europe
Fields of Focus: Democracy, rule of law, legal studies, political science, social sciences, philosophy, and related disciplines
Value and Coverage: €2,500 per month during mobility periods
Award Duration: October 2025 to July 2026
Application Deadline: April 3, 2025
Eligible To: Residents of the EU, non-EU EEA countries, EU candidate countries, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
re:constitution Fellowships Overview
The re:constitution Fellowship Programme aims to strengthen the common ground for the rule of law and democratic principles in Europe by encouraging pan-European mobility, interdisciplinary debate, and the formation of a network of scholars and practitioners. Since 2019, the programme has annually awarded fellowships to individuals working on projects related to these themes. The 2025/2026 cycle offers 15 fellowships divided into two tracks to accommodate diverse professional needs and personal circumstances.
Fellowship Structure
Track 1 – Full-Time Fellowships:
10 fellowships available
Designed for scholars and practitioners
6-month mobility period to be taken flexibly between October 2025 and July 2026
Research stays at two host institutions in different European countries, divided between a research institution and a practical organization, each on a full-time basis
Stipend of €2,500 per mobility month
Mandatory participation in three Fellows’ Exchange Meetings:
🗓️ Track 1 – Full-Time Fellowships Timeline
First meeting: September 2025 in Berlin
Second meeting: February 2026 online
Third meeting: June 2026 at a European location outside Germany
Presentation of research projects in the Online Fellow Talks series
Track 2 – Part-Time Fellowships:
5 fellowships available
Exclusively for practitioners
Option of a 3-month full-time or 6-month part-time mobility period between October 2025 and July 2026
Research stay at one host institution in a different European country
Stipend: €2,500 per month for a 3-month full-time mobility phase. €1,250 per month for a 6-month part-time mobility phase
Mandatory participation in the first Fellows’ Exchange Meeting in September 2025 in Berlin and at least one of the subsequent meetings
Presentation of research projects in the Online Fellow Talks series
Fellowship Benefits
Independence: Opportunity to conduct independent research on topics related to democracy and the rule of law in Europe
Funding: Funding for mobility to collaborate with selected host institutions across Europe
Exchange and debate: Engagement in interdisciplinary exchange and professional development among scholars, legal practitioners, and journalists
Shaping: Access to a European Alumni Network for ongoing collaboration and support
Networking: Participation in Fellows’ Exchange Meetings with leading experts and decision-makers
Support: Support from the coordination team and access to a secure digital collaborative workspace
Contribution: Opportunities to contribute to the broader analytical work of the re:constitution programme
Training: Training courses to enhance interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and transregional competencies
Eligibility Criteria
For Scholars (Track 1):
Holding or nearing completion of a PhD in law, political science, social sciences, philosophy, or related disciplines focusing on democracy and the rule of law in Europe
PhD research should be almost completed or completed within the last 10 years
For Practitioners (Tracks 1 and 2):
Professionals such as government officials, legal practitioners, NGO or think tank experts, journalists, or researchers working on issues related to democracy and the rule of law in Europe
Comparable work experience is expected; a PhD is not required
Residents of the EU, non-EU EEA countries, EU candidate countries, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should submit their applications via the secure online application platform by April 3, 2025, 12 noon CEST. The application should include:
Curriculum vitae (2-3 pages)
Project outline (maximum 1,500 words)
Short abstract of the project (maximum 300 words)
Two references from university faculty members or practitioners in a relevant field
Potential host institutions, including preferred research and practice institutions in Europe
• The working language of the re:constitution programme is English. Applicants of all cultural and social backgrounds, ages, religions, worldviews
📂 Resources
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
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