Project presentation
With the Youth for Energy Futures programme, Virage Énergie and the Heinrich Böll Foundation are giving young adults from France, Germany and Italy the opportunity to discover the challenges of the ecological and energy transition in Europe. The aim of the programme is to train and network future decision-makers and influencers of public opinion so that they can become ambassadors for a fairer and more environmentally friendly society.
This year's edition focuses on the theme of mobility. Responsible for almost 25% of the European Union's greenhouse gas emissions, and the only sector where emissions are continuing to rise, mobility is a key area for progress towards carbon neutrality. The main challenges facing the sector if it is to succeed in decarbonising are the modal shift towards soft mobility and the electrification of cars.
The programme will enable participants to discover the challenges of justice (social, gender, international, etc.) posed by the transition of the mobility sector and to reflect on the levers for action to meet these challenges. This will be achieved through online training with experts and a study trip to Stuttgart in Germany. The programme for the study trip includes meetings with political and economic decision-makers, trade unions and civil society players, visits to production sites in the automotive industry, etc.
Practical information
The project starts in September with a series of online workshop where the participants will learn about the main issues involved in decarbonising the mobility sector. The study trip to Stuttgart (Germany) will take place from 20th to 26th of October.
The travelling, accommodation and catering fees will be fully covered by the organizers of the project. The participation is entirely free for the participants. In return, the participants agree to contribute to the program by creating multimedia content (i.e. podcast, interviews, article) based on the visits and meeting of the study trip.
Application process
The project is intended for young adults (18 to 27 years old) living in France, Germany and Italy.
We are looking for participants interested in energetic and ecological transition, social justice issues and intercultural exchange. Good English skills are necessary to follow the programme and to assure that communication is possible between all participants.
To submit your application, send an curriculum vitae and a motivation letter (both in English) to contact@virage-energie.org
Deadline for application: 31st May 2024
Project organizers
Specialized in energetic and societal projection, the NGO Virage Énergie realizes science awareness-building and decision-making tools since 2006. Furthermore, Virage Énergie supports public actors in the definition of strategies to create a sufficient and sustainable society. Based in France, Virage Énergie also contributes to the elaboration of European cooperation project on energy and climate issues.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation which has its premises in Berlin is one of the main German political foundations. As a think tank for green visions and projects, it disposes of a worldwide network with currently more than 30 international offices and promotes exchange and cooperation on the issue of just ecological transition, especially between civil society actors. The Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Paris office contributes to the strengthening of French-German, Italian-German and European cooperation.
