Deepen the discussion — widen the network
The EPIS Policy Competition bridges the gap between theory and practice, empowering Bachelor, Master, and PhD students, recent graduates, and young researchers to transform research into actionable solutions. Participants craft formal policy proposals and defend them before a distinguished panel of experts from diplomacy, academia, and industry.
EU Internal & External Security Challenges
Are you ready to tackle the defining crises of our time?
The Policy Competition: EU Internal & External Security Challenges invites you to pitch bold, actionable solutions for Europe's future. From cyber threats and border management to shifting global alliances and geopolitical instability, the EU faces unprecedented pressure. We need your strategic vision to navigate these complex realities.
Develop your policy, challenge status-quo thinking, and make your voice heard!
Building on the success of our May 2026 edition — EU Enlargement: Bigger or Better?— which brought together 50 students and 10 policy experts with support from the European Union, this upcoming competition scales the debate to Europe's most pressing security threats.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions are assessed by our expert panel on:
- Policy relevance
- Originality and innovation
- Feasibility and practical implementation
- Quality of analysis and evidence
- Clarity, structure, and persuasiveness of recommendations
From Submission to Brussels
- 01
Submit your policy proposal
Submit your proposal by 28 August 2026 at 23:59 CET. Proposals should be 1,000–4,000 words and can be submitted individually or by teams of up to four students.
- 02
Present your proposal online
On 5 September 2026, from 09:30–12:00 CEST, selected participants will join our live online conference.
Participants will be divided into smaller breakout sessions, with one policy expert assigned to each session. Each participant or team will have 10 minutes to present their proposal using a PowerPoint presentation, followed by a 20-minute discussion with the expert and other participants.
This format gives participants the opportunity not only to present their ideas, but also to receive direct feedback and engage in substantive discussion with an experienced policy expert.
- 03
The winner is announced
Following the online conference, the expert panel will evaluate the proposals and discussions. The winner will be announced one week after the conference.
- 04
Present your ideas in Brussels
The top three participants or teams will be invited to Brussels to present their proposals directly to relevant EU policymakers and engage in a discussion on the practical implementation of their recommendations.
The date and exact format of the Brussels programme will be announced at a later stage.
Competition Details
The best proposals go to Brussels
The top three participants or teams will be invited to Brussels to present their proposals directly to relevant EU policymakers and discuss the practical implementation of their recommendations — a career-defining opportunity for any student of European politics.
Strategic Communication
Present before a distinguished panel of experts from diplomacy, academia, and industry — developing the communication skills that matter in real policy environments.
Expert Network
Meet advisors, practitioners, and peers from across Europe. EPIS competitions are as much about widening your network as winning the prize.
Brussels Meeting
The top three participants or teams are invited to Brussels to present to relevant EU policymakers and discuss how their recommendations could be implemented.
Submit your policy proposal today
Write a policy proposal (1,000–4,000 words) on EU Internal & External Security Challenges and submit it by 28 August 2026 at 23:59 CET. Participation is free.
