Berlin EU-NATO Summit 2026
July 1-5, 2026
Hertie School Berlin, Germany
Berlin EU-NATO Summit 2026
July 1-5, 2026
Hertie School Berlin, Germany
Cohesion in a Fragmented World
In cooperation with Hertie School Berlin
Our committees
European Council
• European Defence and Security
• European Neighborhood and Future of the EU
North Atlantic Council
• Political cohesion within NATO
• Defence innovation & capability development
Foreign Affairs Council
• European Cohesion and Stability
• Climate Change and Energy Security
Our partners & sponsors
Our activities are only possible with the support of our trusted partners and sponsors.
This year our special thanks go to everyone who believed in us and our mission.
What you’re in for
The EU–NATO Summit in Berlin is your chance to move beyond headlines and take part in the conversations that shape Europe’s security and future.
Over the course of the summit, you will step into the roles of heads of state, foreign ministers, and defence ministers, working within the European Council, the EU Foreign Affairs Council, and the North Atlantic Council. Instead of learning about decision-making, you will experience it — negotiating, responding to crises, and balancing competing interests in real time.
At a moment marked by geopolitical tension, hybrid threats, and growing uncertainty around transatlantic cooperation, the relationship between the EU and NATO is under pressure — and more important than ever. This summit puts you right into the middle of that dynamic.
You will work on questions that don’t have easy answers:
Is transatlantic unity still a given — or something that now needs to be actively rebuilt? Should Europe aim for greater strategic independence, and if so, at what cost? What role can non-EU NATO partners play in shaping Europe’s security architecture? And can a sustainable end to the war in Ukraine be achieved without decisive US leadership?
Each body brings a different perspective:
The European Council sets the long-term direction, the Foreign Affairs Council turns strategy into action, and the North Atlantic Council focuses on defence and security. Together, they form a system that you will actively navigate and shape.
If you’re curious about how decisions are really made — and want to test your own ideas in a setting that reflects real-world complexity — this is where you step in.
Expert opinion
Interactive workshop with the Center of Humanitarian Action (CHA)
Diplomacy
Panel discussion with high ranking diplomats
Visit
Visiting Berlin based political institutions
Experience
Experiencing Berlin, the capital of Germany and one of Europe‘s key political and cultural hubs
Preparation
Your preparation for the conference should begin as soon as you have received confirmation of participation. Make yourself familiar with the basic details, structure and role of your committee. Have a look at recent decisions and start researching the planned agenda topics.
Assignments
You will draft and submit 1 written assignment prior to the conference in order to prepare you for writing various types of documents necessary during a simulation conference (press releases, policy memos, briefs etc.). You will also attend an online preparation call, approximately 2 weeks prior the event.
Dress code
Business attire is strictly required during all sessions, workshops and visits to the institutions in Berlin. This is designed in part to create the atmosphere of a real summit, but also to show respect to your fellow participants and organizers, and a sign of personal professionalism.
Berlin EU-NATO Summit
calendar_today July 1-5, 2026
place Hertie School Berlin, Germany
Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions about the next Berlin EU-NATO Summit 2026? Check out the FAQ section or contact a member of our staff.
How much does it cost?
Participation fee: 150€
The participation fee covers Covering the 4 days of simulation (conference material, coffee breaks, snacks, pizza party).
It does not cover all meals, transportation and accommodation.
What if I need a visa?
If you require a visa to travel to Germany, please contact us in advance.
We will provide you with the details of our organisation and with an invitation letter for you to present at the embassy.
Please note that obtaining a visa is sometimes a lengthy process, so do plan ahead. Also know that we cannot cover your visa fees, nor discount it from your participation fee.
What if I am travelling from outside Europe?
If you are travelling from outside Europe and you require to do your travel arrangements well in advance, please contact us so we can review your application earlier than the announced deadline. We recognise that travel fares can be quite high when travelling large distances so we will attempt to give you a speedy reply to your application so that you can book your flights as soon as possible.
How are the conference venue and facilities?
The conference is organised at the Hertie School of Governance.
What happens if I have to cancel my trip-last minute?
- Cancellations made 28 days or more prior to the start of the official schedule, will receive a 100% refund of the participation fee.
- Cancellations made between 27 to 15 days prior to the start of the official schedule, will receive a 50% refund of the participation fee.
- Any cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the start of the official schedule, cannot receive a refund of the participation fee.
How do I apply?
Step 1
Fill out the application form below. Please note that we only ask for necessary details and we will use your personal data only for the purpose of the upcoming conference. Read our Privacy Policy.
Step 2
Video or Audio Motivation Submission.
Instead of a written motivation letter, please record a short video or audio message (max. 3 minutes) answering the points below. This helps us get to know you better -your motivation for joining the Berlin EU-NATO Summit 2026 and what you hope to contribute and gain from the experience. Note there is a limit of 100 MB for your upload. There are several free websites that let you compress videos larger than 100 MB to the appropriate size.
Please address the following in your recording:
- Introduce yourself and share your motivation: Tell us briefly who you are – your background, studies or current work – and what draws your interest to attending the Berlin EU-NATO Summit 2026. How can your perspective enrich the discussions and contribute to the group dynamic during the simulation?
- Answer one of the following questions:
a) What does being a responsible global citizen mean to you? How do you see yourself embodying these principles, and how can participation in the Berlin EU-NATO Summit 2026 help you further develop as a global citizen?
b) What experiences or skills do you bring that will help you navigate the simulation week – engaging in discussions, negotiations, and collaboration with others?
How to submit: After filling out the form below, to finalise your application, please submit your CV and video describing your motivation to attend the event by May 15, 2026, using this link.
Step 3
We will confirm your participation via email to all applications a week after applications close. If you do not receive an email from us, please check your Spam folder and/orget in touch.
Step 4
Pay the required participation fee. You will be required to transfer a participation fee of EUR 150 after you confirm your invitation to attend the event.
Are there any further recommendations to participants?
We encourage you to make sure that your health insurance is valid in Germany and the countries you might travel through on your way to the conference.
Berlin EU-NATO Summit 2026
calendar_today 1-5 July, 2026 place Hertie School, Berlin, Germany
Berlin EU-NATO Summit 2026
calendar_today1-5 July, 2026
place Hertie School Berlin, Germany
Third wave of applications ends:
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Join us and experience what it’s like to be part of the global decision making process.
Step 1: Application form
Fill out the application form below. Please note that we only ask for necessary details and we will use your personal data only for the purpose of the upcoming conference. Read our Privacy Policy.
Step 2: Video or Audio Motivation Submission
Instead of a written motivation letter, please record a short video or audio message (max. 3 minutes) answering the points below. This helps us get to know you better -your motivation for joining the Berlin EU-NATO Summit 2026 and what you hope to contribute and gain from the experience. Note there is a limit of 100 MB for your upload. There are several free websites that let you compress videos larger than 100 MB to the appropriate size.
Please address the following in your recording:
- Introduce yourself and share your motivation:
Tell us briefly who you are – your background, studies or current work – and what draws your interest to attending the Berlin EU-NATO Summit 2026. How can your perspective enrich the discussions and contribute to the group dynamic during the simulation? - Answer one of the following questions:
a) What does being a responsible global citizen mean to you? How do you see yourself embodying these principles, and how can participation in the Berlin EU-NATO Summit 2026 help you further develop as a global citizen?
b) What experiences or skills do you bring that will help you navigate the simulation week – engaging in discussions, negotiations, and collaboration with others?
How to submit: After filling out the form below, to finalise your application, please submit your CV and video describing your motivation to attend the event by May 15, 2026, using this link.
Step 3: Confirmation
We will confirm your participation via email to all applications a week after applications close. If you do not receive an email from us, please check your Spam folder and/or get in touch.
Step 4: Participation
You will be required to transfer a participation fee of EUR 150 after you confirm your invitation to attend the event.
Evaluation
Applications will be accepted on the basis of their merit as well as the order in which they are received. Preference will be given to political science, international relations, communications or law students demonstrating a special interest in the topics discussed.
Preferences
The committee choice will determine your role at the conference. On our website you can find more information about the simulated bodies.
Your role
We try our best to match with your preferences and to suite you with your first choice. Don’t hesitate to approach us in case of any problem within the application process.