The European Commission has published information on an upcoming call for proposals to support exiled journalists from Belarus and Russia, as well as journalists relocated from Ukraine.
The funding worth €3 million is to help the journalists develop their work and continue to provide independent and free information to audiences in their languages.
After two previous calls for projects, this year’s edition has extended the support to Ukrainian journalists who have relocated to the EU to continue their work freely and independently in the EU.
The call will build on results of the first two projects, which the Commission launched in 2023 and 2025. The first edition established a Media freedom hub to help exiled media from Belarus and Russia and strengthen cooperation among them. It assisted such media to grow their audiences, develop business models, and advocate for the needs of exiled journalists. The second edition, which was worth over €2 million in grants, provides additional funding for tailored trainings and workshops, visa and legal support, psychological support, as well as networking.
Now in its third edition, the funding will help sustain and improve support to journalists and media, as well as strengthen coordination through the network of media hubs. The Commission says the aim is to ensure synergies and networking, while promoting media independence and plurality.
Public authorities, international organisations, NGOs and research centres can submit proposals from 16 April until 28 May 2026. The call is published ahead of the opening date to allow participants to become familiar with a new tool for submitting applications.
The Commission has a mission to support free, independent and pluralistic media. Free and independent media is a key pillar of the European Democracy Shield.
Call for proposals – The European Union – the media freedom hub.
