Local Governments as Laboratories of a Post-Growth Future
Being a young municipal leader in Central and Eastern Europe today means carrying a “double burden”. You have to navigate the urgent climate crisis and the green transition, often while fighting against rigid, growth-dependent administrative structures inherited from previous generations and by national governing structures.
If you are tired of the same old GDP-driven policies and want to redefine what prosperity means for your local community, we want you in Budapest.
The Prizma Foundation is looking for 16 driven young leaders for an intensive, 4-day Masterclass. Forget abstract lectures—this is a “Living Lab”. You will learn about, develop and pilot new governance models , test real deliberative tools in a risk-free setting, creating sustainable policies for tomorrow.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for changemakers who meet the following criteria:
- Age: Under 35 years old.
- Role: Elected officials, local councillors, vice-mayors, municipal administrators, or other municipal workers.
- Location: Reside and work in the CEE region.
What Will You Gain?
- New Economic Literacy: Move beyond traditional metrics and master “Post-Growth” and “Well-being” frameworks tailored for local governments.
- Democratic Action Tools: Learn practical skills in deliberative democracy—like Citizens’ Assemblies—to manage the political and social friction of the green transition.
- The “EU Bridge”: Engage in direct, structured discussions with current and former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to share your local reality and hear about legislative trends in Brussels.
- A Transnational Network: Overcome the political isolation often felt by young reformers in smaller local governments by building lifelong connections with peers across the CEE region.
Logistics & Funding
- When: September 23-27, 2026
- Where: European Youth Centre Budapest (EYCB), Hungary.
- Costs: All on-site costs—including hotel accommodation, catering, and the full professional program—are 100% covered by the Katalizátor Program and Prizma Foundation, made possible by a grant from ALDA.
- Apply until: 23:59 on 6th of September, 2026
- Travel: Participants are responsible for organizing their own travel to Budapest. We strongly encourage the use of low-carbon transportation (train or bus)! Note: In special cases of financial need, travel assistance can be issued upon request.
Ready to turn your city into a laboratory for the future? Submit your application here, until the 6th of September.
