Under Development!
Brussels
The Frontline of Transatlantic Defense and Diplomacy
YPFP Brussels
Where the next generation of foreign policy leaders meets.
Who are we?
Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP) Brussels brings together emerging leaders working across diplomacy, security, and European affairs. We are a community of 300+ professionals from 40+ nationalities, rooted in the heart of Europe since 2008. Through our programmes, events, and partnerships, we connect ambitious people with the ideas, institutions, and networks that shape global policy.
WHY BECOME A MEMBER
Our mission is to build the leaders of tomorrow. In Brussels, we recognise the competition among candidates for top jobs. We provide a platform where participants meet fellow young professionals and established experts, helping them grow professionally and expand their network, potentially landing the job they've always wanted.
JOIN US!
YPFP Brussels is a member-driven organisation. What makes our events valuable is not just the speakers or topics, it is the people who show up and the meaningful connections that are created in the room.
Whether you want to attend events, grow your network, lead a programme, or contribute behind the scenes, membership is where it starts. Our events are designed to bring ambitious young professionals together, create lasting professional relationships, and build a community people want to return to.
Proof that we do much more than just swap business cards.
Our Programs
Policy & Diplomacy
Brussels is the capital of European decision-making.
Our Policy & Diplomacy programme is built around events with Ambassadors, MEPs, EU officials, and representatives from multilateral organisations, trade associations, and many other Brussels-based political and societal organisations.
Security & Defence
Foreign policy is increasingly shaped by questions of security.
Our Security & Defence programme brings together professionals to discuss topics such as NATO policy, EU defence architecture, hybrid threats, arms control, and geopolitical risk, as well as peacebuilding.
Membership & Community
YPFP Brussels is only as strong as its members.
Our Membership programme is the engine behind everything we do - connecting you to a community of 300+ professionals and opening doors to exclusive events, structured networking opportunities, and regular social get‑togethers.
Member Exclusive
Brussels-based
10-12 Hours/Month
7 Months
The Advisors Program
This annual program pairs early-career participants with seasoned foreign and security policy professionals. As an Advisee, you’ll be matched with an Advisor whose expertise aligns with your specific goals for a seven-month mentorship (excluding summer).
Through regular one-on-one sessions, you’ll map out your career path and develop personalized strategies to overcome professional challenges. The program also features workshops and social events designed to hone diverse skills—ranging from public speaking to intercultural communication—while building lasting friendships with a cohort of ambitious young professionals in Brussels.
Why?
The Advisors Program supports emerging leaders in foreign and security policy. While Brussels offers vast opportunities across the public and private sectors, navigating its competitive landscape can be daunting. YPFP Brussels bridges this gap by providing members with exclusive mentorship from distinguished professionals dedicated to helping them achieve their career aspirations.
Applications for the 2026 cohort must be submitted by 8 March 2026. All candidates will be reviewed, with successful applicants notified by early April to begin the program.
Who?
This program is open to YPFP Brussels members who are based in the city and ready to commit to a 7-month journey of professional development. Ideal candidates include recent graduates in foreign affairs, early-career professionals with fewer than two years of experience, or those currently navigating the transition from internships to permanent roles.
Our Focus
Our Partners
Our work is made possible by the institutions and organisations that share our belief in the next generation of foreign policy professionals. We are grateful to our partners for opening their doors, their networks, and their expertise to our community. We have worked with organisations ranging from EU, NATO, Diplomatic Missions, NGO’s, Think Tanks, Youth Organisation, Private sectors and beyond.
Who We've Worked With
As a member you get:
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Priority access to all our events and Members-only events. A global network spanning chapters in Washington D.C., London, Berlin, and beyond.
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A platform to express your opinion by writing articles and analysis through Charged Affairs, our international affairs publication.
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One-on-one mentoring through our Advisors Programme, where you are matched with senior professionals in foreign policy, alongside access to career-building workshops led by experts; including CV writing, public speaking, policy brief writing amongst others.
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Full access to programming and activities across all YPFP chapters worldwide.
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Discounts with our partners:
A Look Back to Lead Forward
Our Team
Zoe Ricci
Program Officer, Security & Defence Officer, QCEA Partnership
Ivona Koronthalyova
Comms Officer, Programmes-focus
Victoria Rubia Motos
Comms Officer
Tobias Kolonko
Program Officer, Ambassador Series & Foreign Policy
Moa Brunstrom
Comms Officer, SecDef-focus
Ilaria Magazzino
Partnerships Officer
Suzan Naz Uzel
Program officer - Climate & Energy Transition
