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European Collaborative Journalism Programme (ECJP)

Five-day European program to promote cross-border investigative research and networking for journalists with fixed dates in March and May 2026.

Media Education

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Grant criteria

Application Deadline:
04.01.2026
Application level: Advanced
Region: EU
Funding amount: Coverage of all program and travel expenses (arrival, accommodation, meals, conference ticket)
Funding rate: 100%
Project start from: 23.03.2026

Funding objective

Support for young and experienced journalists from across Europe in cross-border collaboration on investigative projects, network expansion, and professional exchange.

Eligible expenses

  • Travel expenses
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Participation ticket Dataharvest Conference

Eligible to apply

  • Individuals

Funding requirements

  • Residence or workplace in one of the 46 member states of the Council of Europe
  • Professional activity as a journalist (freelance or employed)
  • Initial experience or strong interest in collaborative journalism
  • Story idea to be submitted for joint development

Documents required for application

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  2. Letter of Motivation
  3. Story Idea
  4. Work Samples

Evaluation criteria

  • Quality of the story idea
  • Experience in journalism
  • Potential for cross-border collaboration

Description

The European Collaborative Journalism Programme (ECJP) promotes investigative cross-border journalism in Europe and is aimed at junior and mid-career journalists from all media, both freelancers and permanent employees. Over five days at Gut Siggen on the Baltic Sea (March 23–27, 2026), participants receive expert input on methods and practical challenges, pitch their own story ideas, and form cross-border teams for subsequent collaboration. The program concludes with a follow-up at the Dataharvest Conference in Mechelen (May 28–31, 2026), where the fellows participate in workshops and panels, deepen their investigations, and expand their network with colleagues from 46 member states of the Council of Europe. The Alfred Toepfer Foundation F.V.S. and the Arena for Journalism in Europe cover all travel expenses, accommodation, meals, as well as the conference fee for Dataharvest (100% funding rate).

Eligible to participate are individuals residing or professionally active in a Council of Europe member state who have initial experience in collaborative journalism or a firm intention to work in this field. A compelling story idea, work samples, CV, and letter of motivation must be submitted with the application. Evaluation criteria include concept quality, journalistic expertise, and potential for international cooperation. The complete application deadline is January 4, 2026, with a jury decision by the end of January. The scholarship focuses on sustainable networks and practice-oriented learning to share expert knowledge and jointly advance investigative projects.

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