New Call for Media Proposals: European Commission Opens 2025–2026 Funding for Cohesion Policy Journalism

The European Commission has introduced a new name for media proposals, introduced through the ceremony that celebrated the winners of the 2025 Megalizzi–Niedzielski Prize for Aspiring Journalists. The announcement was made in Brussels as part of the annual EU Week of Regions and Cities, an occasion devoted to highlighting the outcomes and influence of EU Cohesion Policy throughout European areas.

This new name for media proposals marks the ninth version of the initiative and displays the Commission’s ongoing dedication to supporting high-quality, unbiased journalism that helps residents higher perceive the function of Cohesion Policy in strengthening regional growth, social inclusion, innovation, environmental transition, and financial development.

With a price range of three.5 million euros, the decision invites media retailers, universities, journalism colleges, coaching establishments and different organisations to create authentic, factual and fascinating content material that communicates the influence of EU-funded actions throughout the continent.

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Winners of the Megalizzi–Niedzielski Prize 2025

During the ceremony, the European Commission honoured three excellent younger journalists who participated within the Youth4Regions Programme:

• Elisa Ortuso (Italy) obtained the “Lens Award” for her video masking an EU-funded undertaking in Rome that helps Ukrainian households with youngsters present process most cancers therapy.

• Hildegard Leloué (France) gained the “Pen Award” due to her insightful reporting on European affairs and the influence of Cohesion Policy initiatives.

• Sarah Costes (France) obtained the public-voted “Frame Award” for her compelling {photograph} capturing a stork safety initiative in Diyarbakir.

These awards have fun the legacy of Antonio Megalizzi and Bartek Orent-Niedzielski, two journalists tragically killed within the 2018 Strasbourg assault. Their work continues to encourage younger reporters dedicated to masking European themes with integrity and innovation.

Readers within the broader communication framework of EU Cohesion Policy can discover the Commission’s official Regional Policy portal:

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About the New Call for Media Proposals

The new name for media proposals is designed to strengthen public understanding of Cohesion Policy by supporting the creation of unbiased, high-quality media content material. The name encourages candidates to suggest editorial initiatives that:

• Explain how Cohesion Policy investments have an effect on each day life

• Highlight native and regional initiatives funded by the EU

• Promote transparency and understanding of EU actions

• Showcase influence tales from communities throughout Member States

Eligible candidates might embody particular person media organisations or consortia with confirmed expertise in journalism, communication, or EU coverage protection. Proposed content material might take the type of written articles, video studies, podcasts, photojournalism, multimedia storytelling, or cross-platform information codecs.

More info on EU communication methods will be discovered on the “Communicating Regional Policy” web page:
en/coverage/communication/

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Coverage Topics and Editorial Scope

Applicants responding to the new name for media proposals might give attention to a number of themes central to Cohesion Policy, together with:

• Digital transformation and innovation

• Environmental sustainability and biodiversity

• Social inclusion and group growth

• Transport and infrastructure investments

• Urban and rural regeneration

• Economic growth and regional competitiveness

The name welcomes modern editorial approaches able to reaching totally different audiences, together with younger individuals, residents with restricted entry to EU info, and native communities.

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Budget, Deadline and Application Process

The whole price range allotted for the decision is 3.5 million euros, which will likely be distributed to chose proposals demonstrating editorial independence, relevance, high quality and robust outreach potential.

Deadline

15 January 2026 – 17:00 CET

Application Link

Applications have to be submitted by means of the official EU Funding & Tenders Portal:

All supporting paperwork, technical necessities and eligibility circumstances can be found immediately on the portal.

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Why This Call Matters

This new name for media proposals performs a vital function in strengthening democratic engagement by guaranteeing residents have entry to correct details about how EU funds are used. Transparent and compelling media content material helps counter misinformation, will increase public belief in EU establishments and highlights the sensible advantages of EU investments in native communities.

For journalists, universities and media organisations, the decision represents a strategic alternative to develop impactful storytelling, strengthen editorial networks and contribute to a greater understanding of European regional growth.

Those enthusiastic about extra background on Cohesion Policy programmes can go to the broader Regional Policy web site:

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For extra worldwide profession alternatives, go to Opportunities For Youth.

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