Open call: Apply for the Journalists-in-Residence programme
Status: Open
Type: Fellowships
Organisation: Media Freedom Rapid Response
Deadline: 15/11/2026
Location: Leipzig, Germany
The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) consortium offers temporary shelter for journalists, media workers, documentarists, and press photographers based in the EU or one of the candidate countries. The Journalists-in-Residence programme is implemented by the MFRR Partner European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) and is designed to help those facing harassment and intimidation as a direct result of their work as well as those who are working under pressure and/or are in need of a break.
Journalists get the chance to rest and recuperate in a safe and discreet place, and also to continue their work at their own pace and use their time in Leipzig for networking and finding solidarity.
Based on individual needs, the programme can also cover digital security training, psychological counselling, and other journalism-related workshop sessions on topics like investigative journalism and social media management.
Key Details
* The Journalists-in-Residence programme lasts for either three or up to six months.
* Journalists get the chance to rest and recuperate in a safe and discreet place, and also to continue their work at their own pace and use their time in Leipzig for networking and finding solidarity.
* The programme provides a safe and discreet place to continue investigating and publishing, to rest and to recover (max. 6 months)
* The programme provides a rent-free, furnished apartment in Leipzig
* The programme also provides basic health insurance, travel expenses to and from Leipzig (arrival and departure) and visa costs
* Participants will receive a monthly stipend of 1,000 euros
Eligibility
* In order to participate in the JiR programme you should be a legal resident in one of the MFRR mandate countries, i.e. in an EU Member State or in a candidate country.
* You are required to possess a valid passport
* You must have at least two references from reputable human rights or media organisations confirming at least 3 years of journalistic work as well as the threats, pressure, intimidation, persecution, and mental health challenges experienced by the journalist as a result of their journalistic activities.
* Verifiable English, German, or Russian language skills are a requirement (at least A2-level)
How to apply
In order to apply for the JiR Programme, please send the following documents to journalistsinresidence@ecpmf.eu:
* A completed JiR Application Form
* A completed JiR Questionnaire
* Your CV
* The two aforementioned reference letters
* ID Documents
After a comprehensive verification and review process, the fellows approved by the Selection Committee will be invited to Leipzig for the Journalists-in-Residence Programme.
For more information, please visit this page (https://www.mfrr.eu/open-call-apply-for-our-journalists-in-residence-programme/).
Deadline: 15/11/2026
HOW TO APPLY:
In order to apply for the JiR Programme, please send the following documents to journalistsinresidence@ecpmf.eu: A completed JiR Application Form; A completed JiR Questionnaire; Your CV; The two aforementioned reference letters; ID Documents. After a comprehensive verification and review process, the fellows approved by the Selection Committee will be invited to Leipzig for the Journalists-in-Residence Programme.
https://www.mfrr.eu/open-call-apply-for-our-journalists-in-residence-programme/