FORUM DE DEFENSE ET DE STRATEGIE
Call for applications:
France-Canada Future Leaders Programme on Defence Issues
Description:
This programme aims to deepen Franco–Canadian strategic exchanges, as well as dialogue with the broader Euro-Atlantic community, at a time marked by shifting security balances and the growing centrality of the Arctic in defence and sovereignty issues. In the face of a hardened Russian posture, persistent Sino-American competition, and the proliferation of hybrid threats, Canada is called upon to strengthen its role as a northern power and to adapt its deterrence and cooperation tools. The 2027 programme focuses more specifically on three structuring pillars: (1) the development of minilateral cooperation formats as complements to existing multilateral frameworks; (2) Canada’s role in Arctic and North Atlantic security, including through partnerships with European and Nordic allies; and (3) the capabilities, technologies, and industrial policies required to strengthen the sovereignty, resilience, and strategic credibility of Canada and its partners, with particular attention to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies applied to defence, notably their use in the Arctic environment. In connection with these core issues, other cross-cutting themes will also be addressed.
Building on the continuity of previous editions (2024, 2025, 2026), the programme seeks to consolidate a network of emerging leaders—primarily Franco-Canadian, but also from other countries within the Euro-Atlantic community—who will be encouraged to maintain regular exchanges on security and defence issues. The group, composed of around ten participants, will take part in two study visits of approximately five days each: one in Europe (France, Belgium) and one in Canada (primarily Ottawa, Quebec city and Montréal). These visits will combine closed-door sessions (small-group workshops with political, military, diplomatic, academic, or industry stakeholders) and public-facing events (conferences, roundtables).
With the support of:
Selection criteria
Applications for this programme are now open until 15 November 2026 (inclusive). To apply, please complete the application form below, attach a CV, and send both documents to info@forum-defense-strategie.org and bbp.francecanada@gmail.com.
Eligibility criteria :
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The programme aims to build a network of emerging leaders and is therefore open exclusively to applicants under 40 years of age as of 1 March 2027.
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The programme is open to French or Canadian nationals (or Canadian permanent residents), as well as applicants from the broader transatlantic/European community (holding the nationality of one of its member countries).
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As programme activities take place in French and/or English, applicants must demonstrate excellent command of at least one of the two languages (C1/C2) and very strong passive comprehension (oral and written) of the other.
Additional information
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No specific professional background or academic field is targeted: the selection process will aim to ensure diversity among the cohort. Approximately ten participants will be selected.
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The organising associations will cover costs related to the network’s activities (transportation and accommodation) for all participants, once their participation has been confirmed. Active engagement in the programme (participation in both study visits and workshops, interaction with other members, drafting publications) is expected; failure to meet these commitments may result in non-payment of the engagement/attendance/publication award and may lead to exclusion from the programme.
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At the end of the programme (including the publications mentioned—strategic briefs and a collective publication), an engagement, attendance, and publication award of EUR 200 will be paid to participants (subject to compliance with the commitment requirements above).
The network’s inaugural online meeting will take place in mid-February 2027.
Participant contributions
As part of the programme, participants will be invited to contribute actively to collective outputs aimed at showcasing the reflections developed throughout the exchanges. Following the programme, three to four bilingual strategic briefs will be published in fall 2027 / winter 2028. They will address the main themes explored throughout the programme, including Arctic security and Canadian leadership in the Arctic, minilateral cooperation formats, the protection of critical infrastructure and resources, as well as issues related to capabilities, emerging technologies, and artificial intelligence applied to defence. The specific topics will be defined and refined on the basis of the discussions and work carried out by participants throughout the programme.
These briefs will form the backbone of a collective publication aligned with the programme’s themes. Speakers participating in public events will also be invited to submit a policy note related to their presentation, which may be integrated into the collective publication. The briefs—and potentially the collective publication—are expected to be published and made available in both English and French.
Financial contribution from selected candidates
Participation in the programme requires a financial contribution intended to cover part of the actual costs related to organising the study visits, workshops, events, and associated outputs (transportation, accommodation, logistics, organisation of meetings, and publications).
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Once selected and notified, candidates have 7 days to confirm or withdraw their application.
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Once participation is confirmed, candidates have 15 days to transfer the financial contribution by bank transfer. Failure to pay within this timeframe may lead to exclusion.
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Financial contributions are non-refundable.
Three categories of candidates are distinguished:
1) Candidates with student status (Master’s students, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers)
For candidates with student status, the financial contribution is EUR 1,200. This amount includes the EUR 200 engagement, attendance and publication award, paid back at the end of the programme, subject to compliance with the expected commitments.
2) Young professionals
For young professionals who completed their studies in or after summer 2016, the financial contribution is EUR 2,400. This category is intended in particular to enable candidates in the early stages of their professional careers to participate under adapted financial conditions, whether they work in the public sector, private sector, academia, the armed forces, international organisations, or civil society. This amount includes the EUR 200 engagement, attendance and publication award, paid back at the end of the programme, subject to compliance with the expected commitments.
3) Professionals
For candidates who completed their studies before summer 2016, the financial contribution is EUR 2,900. This amount includes the EUR 200 engagement, attendance and publication award, paid back at the end of the programme, subject to compliance with the expected commitments.
This contribution remains below the actual cost of participation in the programme, with part of the expenses covered through the programme’s own resources and the support of its partners.
For further information, please contact info@forum-defense-strategie.org, bbp.francecanada@gmail.com.
