Deadline: 23-May-2026
The Mediterranean Youth in Action (MYA) Programme is a regional initiative that empowers young researchers to contribute to policy dialogue, cooperation, inclusion, innovation, and peacebuilding across the Euro-Mediterranean region. It focuses on producing evidence-based, policy-oriented research that can inform decision-making and strengthen regional collaboration.
The programme operates through its “Voicing Youth Knowledge” pillar, which supports research and knowledge production on pressing regional challenges.
Programme Objectives
The MYA Programme aims to:
- Strengthen youth participation in policy research
- Promote Euro-Mediterranean cooperation and dialogue
- Support evidence-based policymaking
- Encourage innovation and inclusion in research
- Foster peacebuilding and intercultural understanding
- Address regional challenges through academic and policy contributions
Research Themes (Voicing Youth Knowledge Pillar)
Applicants may submit proposals focused on:
- Intercultural dialogue and mobility
- Education cooperation across the region
- Green transition and climate resilience
- Digital transformation and innovation
- Entrepreneurship and youth employment
- Sustainable connectivity and regional integration
- Evidence-based policymaking
- Disaster risk reduction and resilience
- Peacebuilding and conflict prevention
- Countering hate speech and disinformation
- Migration governance and mobility policies
Funding and Benefits
Selected participants receive financial and non-financial support:
Financial Support
- €1,000 for developing a policy brief
- €300 for producing a blog post and audiovisual materials
Capacity Building and Training
- Online and in-person workshops
- Training in policy research and writing
- Guidance from Euro-Mediterranean experts
Networking and Visibility
- Membership in the MYA Alumni network after completion
- Access to regional policy dialogues
- Visibility through dissemination channels
- Connections with researchers, policymakers, and civil society actors
- Collaboration opportunities with the Anna Lindh Foundation Civil Society Network
Who is Eligible
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Must be affiliated with one of the following:
- University
- Think tank
- Specialized research centre
- Civil society organisation with a research component
- Must be a national of one of the 43 Member States of the Anna Lindh Foundation
- Must submit an individual application only
- Must complete application before the deadline
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Research title
- Research abstract
- Explanation of Euro-Mediterranean relevance
- Research objectives and methodology
- Description of originality and contribution
- Academic and professional background related to the topic
How the Programme Works
The process includes:
- Submission of a policy-oriented research proposal
- Evaluation of research quality, relevance, and originality
- Selection of successful applicants
- Participation in online and face-to-face training workshops
- Development of a policy brief and communication outputs
- Engagement in outreach and dissemination activities
- Integration into MYA Alumni network
Expected Outputs
Selected researchers are expected to produce:
- A policy brief (€1,000 funded output)
- A blog post and audiovisual communication materials (€300 funded output)
- Participation in outreach and policy dialogue activities
- Contribution to regional research dissemination
Key Focus of the Programme
The programme focuses on:
- Youth-led policy research in the Euro-Mediterranean region
- Bridging academia, policy, and civil society
- Strengthening regional cooperation and dialogue
- Producing actionable research outputs
- Supporting inclusive and evidence-based policymaking
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting more than one proposal per applicant
- Weak or unclear Euro-Mediterranean relevance
- Missing institutional affiliation requirements
- Vague research methodology or objectives
- Ignoring policy relevance of the research
- Incomplete application documents
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve selection chances:
- Clearly define research problem and policy relevance
- Ensure strong connection to Euro-Mediterranean issues
- Use a structured and realistic methodology
- Highlight originality and innovation in approach
- Align proposal with programme thematic priorities
- Provide clear academic or professional background relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the MYA Programme?
- It is a regional initiative supporting young researchers in policy-oriented research.
- It focuses on Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, dialogue, and innovation.
- It promotes youth participation in evidence-based policymaking.
- Who can apply?
- Young researchers aged 18–35
- Nationals of Anna Lindh Foundation member states
- Individuals affiliated with academic or research institutions
- What topics are eligible?
- Migration, education, peacebuilding, digital transition, and more
- Any Euro-Mediterranean policy-relevant research topic
- Topics aligned with programme thematic priorities
- What funding is provided?
- €1,000 for policy brief development
- €300 for blog and multimedia outputs
- Is training included?
- Yes, participants receive online and in-person training
- Training focuses on policy research and writing skills
- Can I submit more than one application?
- No, only one proposal per applicant is allowed
- Multiple submissions are not permitted
- What are the benefits beyond funding?
- Access to MYA Alumni network
- Regional visibility and dissemination opportunities
- Engagement with policymakers and researchers
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Youth in Action (MYA) Programme is a youth-focused research initiative that strengthens policy-oriented knowledge production in the Euro-Mediterranean region. By providing funding, training, and networking opportunities, it empowers young researchers to contribute to dialogue, cooperation, and evidence-based policymaking while building long-term regional impact.
For more information, visit Anna Lindh Foundation.
