Green Skills Award 2026: new call launched!

On 30 January, the European Training Foundation (ETF) opened applications for its Green Skills Award 2026.

Launched in 2021, the ETF Green Skills Award is a global initiative that highlights innovative practices in green skills development led by individuals and institutions. It serves as a source of ideas and inspiration, promoting good practices for circular and carbon-neutral economies and societies.

The call is open to a wide range of organisations and actors, including from the Eastern partner countries, that are involved in developing or promoting green skills. Each of the following categories will have its own winner:

• Employers & SMEs integrating green skills into real work.
• Social partners & NGOs supporting vulnerable groups in the transition.
• VET providers translating decarbonisation into hands‑on training.
• Schools teaching sustainability in age‑appropriate, whole‑school ways.
• Employment services opening pathways to fair green jobs.
• Creators & influencers making sustainability engaging and accessible.

Finalists and winners benefit from:

• International visibility across ETF, European Commission and EEAS channels.
• Professional storytelling films showcasing their work to global audiences.
• Promotion during major EU events, including EU Green Week and the ETF Skills Summit.
• New partnerships and networking opportunities with peers and policymakers.

For 2026, a special #ForOurPlanet Prize will also celebrate exceptional initiatives in nature restoration and preservation.

Applications can be submitted through EU Survey in English or any other language (it will be translated using AI for assessment).

The deadline for applications is 27 March 2026.

A full list of past finalists from the previous years is available from a wide range of countries, including Armenia (TUMO Labs), Azerbaijan (Inkoel), Belarus (Volma), Georgia (Agriculture education in school; Sustainable Development Academy K4S;  Construct2), Moldova (Training the Green Trainers), and Ukraine (Emau; Professional Qualifications in Energy Efficiency Project; Taras Shevchenko National University).

The European Training Foundation (ETF) is the EU agency supporting countries neighbouring the EU in reforming their education, training and labour market systems. In line with the objectives of the Union of Skills and the Clean Industrial Deal, the ETF actively promotes progress towards sustainable, carbon-neutral, and circular economies and societies through skills development.

Find out more

Call announcement