Call for applications

Independent reporting across the Eastern Partnership region is increasingly shaped by political pressure, transnational repression, internet shutdowns, restricted access to information, and shrinking resources. The Media Resilience Lab provides fellowships and supports journalists in exile and in-country, combining newsroom support with structured training and international cooperation to build long-term investigative capacity and stronger regional networks.

What we offer

- A 1–3 month fellowship or internship for independent journalists with up to 1,500 euros/month

- Consultancy or mentorship support

- Online training, plus an opportunity to participate in the Summer School for Investigative Reporting and Cross-Border Collaboration in 2027

Who can apply

Media workers from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Russia, other Eastern Partnership countries, and Germany, based in-country or in exile, who collaborate with displaced newsrooms or report across borders.

- Exile-based media workers

- In-country reporters and editors

- Early-career journalists from the Eastern Partnership region seeking internships, fellowships, and structured mentorship

- Journalists from Germany seeking a journalist or media organisation from the Eastern Partnership region for a collaborative media project

Topics can include (but are not limited to):

Human rights, environmental issues, war crimes and sanctions evasion, Indigenous peoples’ rights, disinformation, and foreign information manipulation and interference.

Training and Summer School (2027)

Fellows and interns are invited to take part in online training in 2026 on storytelling, data journalism, investigative methods, and fact-checking. A Summer School in 2027 offers an in-depth programme on collaborative media work. More details on the Media Resilience Lab [Insert link]

How to apply

Fill in the application form in English. Include a short project description, methods, publication plan, and links to recent work samples. If you are interested in an internship or co-publication, indicate your preferred media outlet. Please also share basic personal details and which training topics you would like to join.

Deadline

First application deadline: 1 June 2026. Projects must be implemented and published by the end of 2026.Please complete this form with your personal details, a brief description of your project, topics and training areas you are interested in. About the programme
The Media Resilience Lab supports journalists working in exile and in-country by combining newsroom support with structured training, fellowship and international collaboration. The programme aims to strengthen investigative capacity and foster resilient regional networks. Further details are available on the project page