Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
Duration: Three to six months.
Who is it for: Journalists, media workers, documentarists and press photographers legally residing in an EU Member State or an eligible candidate country.
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About the Programme
The Journalists-in-Residence (JiR) programme is implemented by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), a partner of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) consortium.
The programme provides temporary shelter for media professionals facing harassment and intimidation as a direct result of their work, as well as those working under pressure or in need of a break.
Selected fellows can stay in a safe and discreet environment in Leipzig, Germany, where they have the opportunity to rest and recuperate, continue their journalistic work at their own pace, and connect with other professionals through networking and solidarity opportunities.
What the Programme Provides
The fellowship includes:
- A safe and discreet place to continue investigating and publishing, rest and recover, for up to six months.
- A rent-free, furnished apartment in Leipzig.
- Basic health insurance.
- A monthly stipend of €1,000 to cover basic living costs.
- Travel expenses to and from Leipzig.
- Visa expenses.
Additional Support
Depending on individual needs, fellows may also receive:
- Psychological counselling.
- Language courses.
- Digital security training.
- Participation in journalism-related workshops, including investigative journalism and social media management.
- Networking opportunities.
- Access to a workplace at the ECPMF office.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be journalists, media workers, documentarists or press photographers.
- Be legal residents of an MFRR mandate country, meaning an EU Member State or one of the eligible candidate countries.
- Be able to demonstrate at least three years of journalistic work.
- Have experienced threats, pressure, intimidation, persecution or mental health challenges as a result of their journalistic activities.
- Hold a valid passport.
- Demonstrate verifiable English, German or Russian language skills at a minimum A2 level.
Eligible Countries
The programme is open to applicants legally residing in the following countries:
Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye and Ukraine.
Read more about the application process and apply through the ECPMF website.
