" GCJT and iMEdD | Call for European Journalists' Retreat "
GCJT and iMEdD | Call for European Journalists' Retreat
Retreat for journalists about Trauma, Resilience and Ethical Reporting in Greece
Image: SNFCC- Eftychia Vlachou
The Global Center for Journalism and Trauma (GCJT), in partnership with iMEdD’s Ideas Zone, invites applications for a four-day European Journalist Retreat to be held 14–18 October 2026 in Vamvakou, Laconia, Greece. This retreat will bring together 16 reporters, editors, social media editors, photographers, and multimedia journalists from across Europe working on the front lines of today’s most challenging stories—from conflict and political polarization to displacement, climate crises, and disinformation.
The retreat will offer an opportunity for journalists to take a short time out from newsgathering to strengthen their craft, reflect on the ethical dimensions of their work, build sustainable practices for reporting on trauma and crisis, and connect with peers working under similar circumstances.
About the Retreat
- Journalists across Europe are navigating unprecedented pressures: increasing exposure to traumatic events, escalating threats to press freedom, and a relentless news cycle dominated by violence, instability, and human suffering.
- During the retreat, participants will explore how understanding the impacts of trauma and tragedy can help protect their well-being, sustain high-quality reporting, and adopt trauma-informed practices, while also learning strategies to build resilience and foster ethical, supportive newsroom cultures.
- The retreat builds on a model developed over 25 years by the Global Center for Journalism and Trauma and its predecessor, the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, which has supported journalists worldwide through fellowships, training, retreats, and professional peer networks.
- Sessions will include expert-briefings – drawing on the latest evidence-based approaches to psychological resilience and peer support – group discussions, and reflective workshops.
INFO
AMOUNT
The Retreat covers:
- Round-trip air or train travel from any European country to Athens, Greece, along with transfers to Vamvakou, Laconia;
- Five nights of accommodation, and
- Meals during the retreat.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES
ELIGIBILITY
- Applicants must have at least five years of professional journalism experience and be living and working in Council of Europe countries (full list of eligible countries here). Sixteen (16) European journalists will be selected to participate.
- The retreat is open to reporters from all media (print, online, audio, broadcast) along with photographers, video journalists and editors.
- Applicants should regularly report on conflict, violence, migration, climate crises, or other high-impact stories* in Europe.
*High-impact stories are those that shape public understanding, influence policy, and require careful ethical and trauma-informed reporting. Examples include: covering migration crises, refugees, or armed conflict, reporting on protests, polarization, or authoritarianism, extreme weather, climate impacts, or environmental disasters; pandemics, mental health crises, or systemic neglect; exposing misinformation, propaganda, or threats to democratic processes.
- Both staff journalists and freelancers are welcome to apply.
- Fluency in English is required, as all seminars will be conducted in English.
- Applicants must demonstrate journalistic excellence and be interested in engaging in peer learning and professional reflection.
APPLICATION DETAILS
For more information about the eligibility criteria and and application process please visit open call's official website.
NOTE
*The calls that are listed on our website are shared for informational purposes and are sometimes subject to change. Please visit the organization's official open call website for up-to-date information.
DEADLINE
2026-05-11
TYPE OF SUPPORT
Philanthropy
COUNTRY OF THE PROVIDER
All EU Countries