Commission reinforces support for exiled Russian and Belarusian journalists in the EU

Today, the Commission has published a call for proposals in support of exiled independent journalists and media from Russia and Belarus who are working from the EU.

Offering nearly €3 million in funding, this is the second such call following a first edition in 2023. Its main objective is to support the creation of a pan-European platform or network of media hubs that promote a pluralistic media environment. The focus is on ensuring that exiled independent journalists and media can continue producing content and distributing it to their audiences without editorial interference.

In 2024 alone, 1,500 independent journalists and editorial newsrooms from Russia and Belarus were estimated to have fled or relocated to EU countries. With this renewed support, the Commission is continuing its efforts to make the EU a major hub for those striving for freedom of expression and democracy.

Supporting free, independent and pluralistic media is of key importance and will be part for the reflections on the upcoming Democracy Shield, announced in President von der Leyen's political guidelines for the 2024-2029 Commission.

Public authorities, international organisations, NGOs and research centres can apply for this call by 14 March 2025. 

More information about this call is available here.