EU allocates 3 million € for exiled and relocated journalists, expands support for Ukraine

The European Commission has published information regarding the launch of a new call for projects aimed at supporting journalists from Belarus and Russia who are in exile, as well as relocated journalists from Ukraine, to continue their free and independent work in the European Union. The funding, amounting to 3 million euros, aims to support the development of their activities and provide independent information to the public in their languages.

In short

The European Commission allocates 3 million euros to support journalists from Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine in the EU. For the first time, the program includes relocated Ukrainian journalists in the Union. The funding aims to continue independent media activities and develop audiences. The projects include legal support, psychological assistance, professional training, and networking. The call is open to public organizations, NGOs, international organizations, and research centers from April 16 to May 28, 2026.

The call launched by the Commission continues previous initiatives dedicated to supporting independent media in exile and builds on the results of two previous editions. The first edition, launched in 2023, created a "Media freedom hub" aimed at supporting media organizations from Belarus and Russia and strengthening cooperation among them. The program contributed to increasing audiences, developing business models, and promoting the needs of journalists in exile.

The second edition, funded with over 2 million euros, expanded support through grants dedicated to professional training, organizing workshops, providing legal assistance and visa acquisition, as well as psychological support and networking activities.

In the current edition, the Commission aims not only to continue this support but also to strengthen coordination among projects by developing a network of media hubs. The objective is to create synergies among the involved organizations and enhance media pluralism and independence.

The extension of the program to relocated Ukrainian journalists in the European Union reflects recent developments in the region and the need to support the continuity of journalistic activity in the context of forced displacements. The support provided is aimed at maintaining public access to credible and independent information, including in their native language.

The call for projects is open to public authorities, international organizations, NGOs, and research centers, which can submit proposals from April 16 to May 28, 2026. The early publication of the call aims to allow potential participants to familiarize themselves with the new application submission tool.

The European Commission emphasizes that support for free and independent media remains a priority, considering that they represent an essential pillar of the "European Democracy Shield," an initiative aimed at protecting European democracy.

The program is part of a broader framework of actions by the European Union aimed at supporting press freedom and media pluralism, especially in the context of the deteriorating media environment in certain neighboring states of the EU. Support for exiled and relocated journalists aims to maintain the flow of independent information to publics affected by restrictions or pressures on the press.