Europe's biggest climate community is seeking people ready to lead climate action in their own neighbourhoods, organisations and networks. Applications remain open till Saturday 31 October.

The European Climate Pact, the European Commission initiative managed by the Directorate-General for Climate Action, has opened its 2026 call for new Pact Ambassadors, inviting people across the European Union who are committed to climate action to take on a leading role within their communities. Applications remain open until 31 October 2026.

Pact Ambassadors commit to informing, inspiring and supporting climate policy and action within their communities and networks. In practice, this means helping people understand what causes climate change, how it affects them and what can be done to tackle it, while encouraging neighbours, organisations and governments to take meaningful steps of their own. Ambassadors represent the Pact at local, national and EU-level events, can host activities such as Peer Parliaments, workshops and community meetups, and organise practical initiatives ranging from tree planting days to car-free initiatives and awareness-raising events. They also serve as connectors, linking local climate advocates with networks, groups and decision-makers, and sharing solutions that others can build on in their own communities.

Those selected will join a pan-European network of more than 1,000 Ambassadors and over 100 Partners, drawn from local and regional authorities, entrepreneurs, academics, youth leaders and many others. Ambassadors gain access to exclusive training, tools and capacity-building resources on climate policy, citizen engagement and advocacy, and take part in events such as the annual European Climate Pact event, the monthly Community Talks and Community Cafés, and European Climate Action Academy webinars. Their work is given visibility through the Pact's website, social media channels and high-profile events, and they receive official recognition from the European Commission for their role in the green transition.

The call is open to community leaders and to the leaders of organisations, associations, informal groups and movements, as well as to mayors, parliamentarians, policymakers and other public office holders, representatives of cultural, educational and research institutions, and influencers and opinion leaders. In keeping with the Commission's priority of a just and inclusive transition, the Pact particularly welcomes applications from people with experience in social inclusion, poverty eradication and support for vulnerable groups, together with commitments that reach people who have lower levels of climate awareness or who are currently less engaged in climate action.

Ambassadorships are awarded to individuals only, which means that applicants must apply in a personal capacity rather than on behalf of an organisation or company, although their experience may well include leadership within organisations or networks.

Applicants must also hold a valid residence permit granted by an EU Member State, demonstrate a commitment to climate action, and have no known history of public allegations involving unlawful activity, environmental misconduct or greenwashing. The role is voluntary, and Ambassadors act in their personal or professional capacity without speaking on behalf of the European Commission.

Once selected, Ambassadors complete an e-learning onboarding course and set out a concrete climate action commitment that includes at least three specific actions for the year, which might involve a citizen engagement activity, work with a school, youth group or business network, or a communication activity through local, national or international channels. Over their mandate they also take part in at least two European-level events organised by the Climate Pact Secretariat and at least two national activities coordinated by their Country Coordinator, reporting on these each year in order to be eligible for renewal.

Applications will be reviewed during November and December, with successful candidates notified in early 2027 and given everything they need to begin in their new role. Applicants who are not selected, along with anyone who is not yet ready to take on the Ambassador role, are welcome to join the community as a Friend of the Pact. This more informal role is open all year round to anyone living or based in the EU, and offers newsletters and resources, national updates and events, early invitations to EU-level events and the chance to take part in challenges and campaigns.

Full guidelines and the application form are available on the Become a Pact Ambassador page, and queries may be sent to [email protected]