The Greenhouse: Training for Activists

The Greenhouse: Training for Activists is a unique opportunity to connect, learn and grow as part of a new generation of green European changemakers. 30 young green activists, committed to building a more just and sustainable Europe, will join this summer in Sigulda, Latvia to further build their green activist skillset.

About the training

The Greenhouse: Training for Activists is a five-day summer intensive designed for young green activists and emerging changemakers aligned with green values and European democracy.  

Centered around the theme of  Freedom, the training combines participatory methods, expert-led workshops and debates, and community-building activities.   

Participants will deepen their understanding of political ecology, explore pressing societal challenges through an EU lens, strengthen their skills and competences in areas like rhetoric and debating, and become part of The Greenhouse Community of Green European changemakers.

Highlights

• In-depth exploration of our main theme “freedom” through the lens of political ecology

• Practical skill-building and action-planning sessions with a focus on political campaigning and debate

• A strong focus on collaboration, peer-learning, and a European perspective  

• Opportunities to connect with fellow activists and build lasting relationships across borders 

• A dynamic, empowering environment with specialized trainers and speakers 

At GEF, we believe that the European green movement is strongest when it is diverse, inclusive, and interconnected. This training is designed to foster lasting relationships and build a resilient cohort of green Europeans ready to lead change in their own communities.

Project background

The Greenhouse is GEF’s initiative dedicated to offering political education on Europe, capacity building for the green movement at large, and fostering engagement and participation of young leaders and activists across the continent – in order to support a strong and vibrant European democracy.  

Through training, networking, and debates, it offers a space for activists, trainers, experts, and engaged European citizens to come together not only to build knowledge and connections, but also to take time to reflect and grow as a community.  

Across its different formats, The Greenhouse nurtures the foundations of collective action and cultivates the routes forward for European citizens to shape systemic change.

Programme

Guest speakers

• Selma Levrence – MP, Progressives in the Latvian Parliament

• Mārtiņš Stakis – MEP, Greens/EFA in the European Parliament

• Mārtiņš Eņģelis – Member, Progressives in the Riga City Council

• Elina Pinto – Committee Member, European Green Party

• Sindija Mierture – Chairperson, Protests (Latvian Progressives Youth Organisation)

• Emmanuel Kujawski – Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Climate & Nature, Greens/EFA in the European Parliament

Trainers & experts

• Eliza Popper – Co-founder, The Good Enough Company, trainer

• Sebastian Huehne – Capacity-building Assistant, Green European Foundation, trainer

• Laurent Standaert – Director, Green European Foundation, expert

Practicalities

Date and Time: 23 – 27 of August 2025

Location: Sigulda, Latvia

Language:  The main language of the event will be English.

Participants: 30 activists aged 18 – 30 years from across Europe (EU and non-EU countries).

Registration: Registrations for this event are now closed.

If you have any questions about the training, contact training@gef.eu