NATO ENSEC COE is calling for submissions!
Share your expertise on energy security, the energy transition and national security by 31 October 2026. Top entries can win up to 500 EUR and a feature in our Energy Highlights journal!
This year featuring special age-based for younger participants
We are pleased to launch the 2026 Energy Highlights Article Competition, an initiative designed to inspire new thinking, attract young talent, and deepen analysis of today’s most pressing energy security challenges.
Energy security is evolving rapidly as geopolitical pressures, climate change, hybrid threats, and digital vulnerabilities reshape national and Alliance‑level decision‑making. Fresh perspectives – from seasoned experts to first‑time young contributors – are vital to understanding what comes next.
To encourage younger voices in the energy security debate, we are introducing two special topics and age-based categories this year.
Category 1: Best Overall
Open to all ages; advanced analytical submissions encouraged. Contributors may address any major defence‑energy theme, including:
- Energy Resilience and Supply Security: Trends, risks, and dependencies affecting military and allied energy.
- Infrastructure Protection: Vulnerabilities of critical energy infrastructure and measures to strengthen resilience.
- Technology and Innovation: Emerging technologies and digital solutions for military energy systems.
- Civil-Military Cooperation: Coordination between civilian and military actors on energy.
- Energy Systems and Strategic Implications: Changes in energy systems and their impact on defence and security.
- Energy Efficiency: Improving efficiency while maintaining operational capability.
- Climate security: Implications for defence planning.
Category 2: Ages 14–20
“Securing Tomorrow’s Power: How I Can Shape the Future of Energy Security”
Participants are invited to respond directly to the theme by exploring what energy security means to them, why it matters, and how youth can help shape a more secure, sustainable, and resilient energy future. Suggested areas of focus include:
- Personal perspectives on energy security
- How global challenges connect to local action
- Innovation, education, and responsible energy use
- Why energy security matters for society and stability
Category 3: Ages 21–29
“Energy Security and NATO: From National Responsibility to Collective Challenge”
Participants are invited to respond directly to the theme by analysing how energy has evolved into a collective challenge and the role of NATO in addressing shared risks. Suggested areas of focus include:
- NATO’s role in protecting critical infrastructure
- Hybrid threats and energy coercion
- The climate–security nexus
- Collective preparedness and resilience
- Geopolitics and energy supply chains
- Strategic energy considerations for military capability
Prizes Across Categories
- Best Overall: € 500 + publication in Energy Highlights
- Each Age-based category: 1st Place € 300, 2nd Place € 150
- Honourable Mentions: small ENSEC COE gifts
Eligibility & Submission Requirements
- Open to nationals of NATO member states and active partner nations, or individuals affiliated with institutions in these nations
- Ages 14–29 for age-based categories; no age conditions for Best Overall
- 1,500–3,000 words, English only
- Submissions must be original; AI tools permitted only for minor editing
- One entry per participant
- Entries will be assessed by an ENSEC COE jury panel
Timeline
- Submission deadline: 31 October 2026
- Winners announced: February 2027
Why This Competition Matters
By combining a broad analytical category with two age-based tracks, the ENSEC COE aims to engage a diverse community – from established experts to the youngest thinkers – exploring the rapidly changing dynamics of energy security. Your ideas can help shape how NATO Allies approach energy resilience in an increasingly complex world.
Competition Regulations Energy Highlights (.pdf version)
Please send your completed work and any questions to: ben.cook@enseccoe.org | competition@enseccoe.org
