Do you think politicians should listen to what you, as a young European, have to say? Are you interested in meeting other like-minded peers who are passionate about better representation of youth and their ideas? Do you have any creative thoughts on how security challenges facing Europe today can be addressed and overcome? Then apply now and join one of our three clusters to discuss these ideas as a Youth Ambassador at the German-Baltic Conference in Riga, Latvia, in October 2025, within the conference theme of ‘Rethinking Security Through Youth’. Europe shall hear you and that is why we are primarily interested in your ideas and your creativity!

This unique project aims to bring together about 21 young people from all over Europe to explore the importance of security and the role of youth in addressing and responding to today’s security challenges. The Youth Ambassadors (YA) have the chance to work together within three respective clusters:

Cluster A “European Security and Defence Innovations”: Nowadays, defence is one of the most rapidly changing industries. Considering the challenges that European countries are facing, it is crucial to reconsider how we can use innovation in the defence industry. However, do you think that technology and AI are the only innovations? Definitely not! Here, we are talking about everything from new facilities, equipment, and technologies to new approaches to conscription, youth involvement, etc. In this cluster, we will explore the wide-ranging landscape of defence innovation, cutting-edge technologies, how to attract young talent to Europe’s defence tech sector, rethink military conscription in terms of technological and ethical advances, and develop proactive and collaborative European approaches to defence innovation. We’ll focus on the urgent need for ethical frameworks and stronger public-private partnerships to ensure Europe does not only react to technological advancements but actively shape their development and integration for a more secure future.

Cluster B “European Security and International Cooperation”: European security is a collective task that reaches far beyond the borders of the European Union. Security threats are interlinked and can abruptly manifest across the globe. International cooperation allows the EU to address issues outside of its direct geographical and political jurisdiction, while fostering mutually beneficial relationships with other states and organizations. Essentially, the EU relies on its allies for safety. However, recent geopolitical developments have cast doubt on whether the current structure of the EU’s security alliances remains the most effective or desirable. Is there a better way forward? In this cluster, we will critically analyse the EU’s strategic partnerships and their impact on European security. Concretely, we will discuss how the EU should collaborate with NATO, the United States or Ukraine to promote lasting peace and security across Europe.

Cluster C “European Security and Discourse”: As we gather to discuss what can and should be done to protect democracy in Europe, it is of utmost importance to recognize that the words we use matter, for they, or rather the discourse surrounding such an urgent topic, shape the outcomes and measures ultimately taken. This means that it is key to examine what we are in fact talking about when we talk about security at the European level – what do we understand when we say „Europe“, „democracy“, „defence“, „threat“, and even „readiness“? Such terms have become buzzwords, but they have weight that must be acknowledged and taken seriously. Within this cluster, we will analyse documents and initiatives regarding security and the operating discourses on identity and governmental and civil responsibility standing behind them to understand what course of action our leaders are choosing to take and to make sure that the best interest of the people and of democracy are being prioritized.

As a Youth Ambassador, you have the great learning opportunity to participate in one of the clusters where you will discuss challenges for your respective subtopic and draft a policy paper that outlines solutions. You may also have the opportunity to present your policy paper alongside your cluster members at a hearing with Members of European Parliament (MEPs) in Brussels following the conference. The cluster work will take place in three stages. Stage one consists of weekly online meetings in September and October, to get introduced to the conference concept, meet your fellow YAs and Head of Cluster, get familiar with your cluster subtopic, and learn about writing policy papers. Stage two will be the in-person meetings at the German-Baltic Conference in Riga (16th – 19th of October, 2025), where you will discuss your subtopic in person and begin drafting your policy papers. Stage three takes place following the conference, where you will be expected to work with your cluster online to finalize your cluster paper and prepare for the parliamentary hearing. A select few of you will present your work to members of the European Parliament, having a very direct influence on European decision-making. These hearings are set to take place in November. Furthermore, these policy papers, with recommendations for our common future, will also be shared more widely with decision-makers on the local, national, and EU-level via email and other DBJW events.

For taking part in the conference, a fee of participation of 50€ ( – if you are living in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia or Türkiye) or 100€ (– if you live in the rest of Europe) will be required. For the participation fee, you will receive compensation of up to 100€ (Baltic residents) or 200€ (rest of Europe) in travel expenses in addition to free lodging in double rooms and catering during the conference. (In case of financial difficulties, please contact us!)

Youth Ambassadors need to be between 16 and 30 years old, have their current residency in Europe, and be fluent in English.

Do you want to become a Youth Ambassador? Then fill out the application form: https://www.cognitoforms.com/DBJW1/_2025YouthAmbassadorApplication

by the 3rd of August 2025, and let us know about what motivates you to become part of this amazing experience. When filling out the application form, we appreciate originality and creativity, so we encourage you to share your own ideas and experiences rather than relying on AI-generated responses. If you have any questions, contact Alexandra: a.ehresmann.dbjw@deutsch-balten.de

More info: www.dbjw.deutsch-balten.de