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What is the overall objective of this call?
Russian authorities have taken several steps to stifle independent journalism and dissenting voices. In 2024 it was estimated that over 1 500 independent journalists and editorial newsrooms from Russia and Belarus had fled or were relocating to European Union countries. The EU has the chance to become a major hub for those striving for freedom of expression and democracy.
Independent Russian newspapers, websites and TV stations now have to reach their audiences from EU countries. Russian independent media and civil society play a vital role in ensuring the continued flow of information to Russian audiences, in and outside Russia. EU support to Russian and Belarusian independent media is a key priority enshrined in several EU policy instruments.
The overall goal of the pilot project is to sustain and improve existing financial and other kinds of support to the exiled independent media and journalists from Russia and Belarus that are working from the EU Member States and to foster the coordination and consolidation of a pan-European platform or network of media hubs to promote the preservation of a pluralistic media environment. It aims at creating the conditions for exiled independent media and journalists to work in the EU so that they can continue producing content and distributing it to their audiences without any editorial interference. The broader aim is to make Europe a safer place by helping the peoples of the countries in their democratic aspirations, where independent media play an indispensable role.
The available call budget is EUR 2 940 000 (two million nine hundred forty thousand euros) The EU co-financing is limited to a maximum of 95% of the total eligible costs.
What type of applicants are eligible to apply?
- Public authorities (national, regional, local);
- International organisations;
- Non-governmental organisations;
- Research centres.
Further information:
- The call for proposals, application forms and all relevant documents are available below.
- Questions can be sent to CNECT I1 CALLS until 7 March 2025 at the latest. All questions and answers will be published, anonymously, on this page.
- Overview of other grant opportunities for news media
- Overview of news media projects
(If reading in another language, please consult the English version for the call documents.)
Please note: this call requires you to fill in new Bank Account Forms and Legal Entity Forms.