​With the rise of hyper-nationalism, populism, disinformation and state sponsored propaganda threatening freedom of press and curbing people’s access to reliable information globally, professional and principled journalism is more important than ever in order to provide the populations with access to verified and independent information, in order to foster civic mindset and thus ultimately contribute to the democratic aspirations of the societies around the globe. 

Independent media actors are facing difficulties specific to the socio-political and economic environment where they operate. In its World Press Freedom Index 2019, Reporters Without Borders notes a deterioration in conditions for media in many countries of the EU Southern Neighbourhood, with increasing persecution of government critics and authoritarian control over news and information. In the most restrictive environments, independent media are banned, denied licenses, and/or harassed through denial of premises. They are also exposed to raids on their offices, and to false legal charges against journalists, followed by their arrest. Attacks and intimidation of journalists are common, often with apparent impunity, and self-censorship is often necessary for these media to survive. 

The global objective of this call for proposals is:

To support pluralism, independence and resilience of independent media, which act in the public interest as bulwark against authoritarianism, hate speech and dis-information, and to promote critical thinking and civic-oriented mind-set in the population, thus contributing to the democratic aspirations and resilience in the societies in the region of the Southern Neighbourhood.

The specific objective of this call for proposals is: 

To strengthen the independence of independent media and journalists serving the public interest.​

support independent media.pdf