Creative Europe Launches €6.9 Million Grants to Boost Democracy Through News Media in Georgia and Ukraine

The European Union’s Creative Europe programme has launched a new call for proposals with a total budget of €6.9 million, aimed at boosting democracy through support for news media organisations in Georgia and Ukraine. This initiative specifically targets media intermediaries that have the expertise to manage and distribute funds effectively to various news media outlets.

Focus and Objectives

The call prioritizes organisations active in key sectors that contribute to democratic engagement, including:

• Local and regional media
• Community media
• Investigative journalism
• Outlets specialized in public interest news

Each project can request funding of up to €2.5 million, promoting initiatives that enhance media pluralism and democratic values. The initiative encourages co-financing to maximise partnership opportunities and resource mobilisation.

Impact on Democracy and Media Landscape

By funding news media entities operating where they most influence democratic processes, the Creative Europe programme aims to:

1. Foster transparency and accountability
2. Promote informed citizen participation
3. Ensure diverse and independent media contribute to public discourse

This programme recognises the crucial role of independent media in upholding democratic principles and delivering public interest news to a wide audience.

Challenges and Support Mechanisms

The funding drive responds to challenges such as political pressures and financial constraints faced by media organisations in the region. By empowering intermediaries to allocate resources efficiently, the EU seeks to strengthen the media ecosystem and support sustained, quality journalism that bolsters democracy in Georgia and Ukraine.

Application Details

Eligible applicants include organisations with demonstrated capacity to manage large-scale funding and assist multiple media entities. This ensures funds contribute meaningfully to enhancing media pluralism and democratic engagement.

The deadline for submissions and detailed guidelines can be found on the Creative Europe website. Media organisations and intermediaries are encouraged to review the criteria carefully and prepare their proposals accordingly.

This funding initiative reaffirms the EU’s strong commitment to supporting free and independent media as essential pillars of democracy in neighbouring regions.

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