The International Federation for European Law is inviting early-career EU law scholars and practitioners to submit papers for the Young FIDE Seminar, a flagship event dedicated to the next generation of European legal minds. Taking place on the opening day of the XXXII FIDE Congress in Helsinki, the seminar offers junior researchers a rare platform to present original work before one of the world’s most distinguished audiences in European law.
About the Young FIDE Early Career Fellowship
Organized by FIDE Finland on behalf of the XXXII FIDE Congress, the Young FIDE Seminar takes place on May 19, 2027 as the opening event of the full four-day Congress running May 19 to 22. FIDE, the International Federation for European Law, is the pre-eminent scholarly body in EU law, convening its Congress every two years to address the most pressing legal challenges facing the European Union. The Helsinki Congress focuses on three topics: financing the EU’s priorities including its budget, own resources, common debt, and private investment; the Union’s external borders and fundamental rights; and the legal construction of European industrial policy and strategic autonomy.
Funding Size
- Fellowship covers travel and accommodation for the Congress
- The seminar and Congress participation are funded for accepted Young FIDE fellows
- No application fee
Who Can Apply
- PhD researchers and postdoctoral researchers in EU or European law
- Junior scholars in early stages of their academic career
- EU law practitioners under 35 years of age with fewer than five years of professional experience
- Applicants must submit a paper addressing one of the three main Congress topics
Geographic Eligibility
- Open globally
- Congress and seminar take place in Helsinki, Finland
Sector or Thematic Focus
- EU budget, own resources, common debt, and private investment financing
- External borders of the EU and fundamental rights
- European industrial policy, strategic autonomy, and legal construction
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Application Process
Applicants submit a paper proposal addressing one of the three Congress themes through the official FIDE Congress submission portal. Accepted fellows are notified ahead of the May 2027 seminar date and receive support to attend the Congress in Helsinki.
Required Materials
- Paper proposal or full paper addressing one of the three Congress topics
- Confirmation of early-career status including age or years of professional experience where applicable
- CV or academic profile
Key Dates
- Application deadline: to be confirmed on the official FIDE Congress website; the call is currently open
- Young FIDE Seminar: 19 May 2027, Helsinki, Finland
- Full XXXII FIDE Congress: 19 to 22 May 2027, Helsinki, Finland
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Selection Notes
- Papers must connect directly to one of the three main Congress topics; submissions outside these themes will not be considered
- The program targets genuine early-career researchers and practitioners; applicants significantly beyond the age or experience thresholds should not apply
- Competition is strong given the prestige of the FIDE Congress platform