NEWS - Media Freedom Rapid Response Mechanism
NEWS - Media Freedom Rapid Response Mechanism supports threatened journalists and media freedom NGOs through monitoring and practical assistance to protect journalists and independent media across Europe.
Funder: Creative Europe
Due Dates: January 27, 2027, 17:00 CET (Submission) | November 5, 2026, 14:00–16:00 Brussels time (Info session)
Funding Amounts: €3,000,000 total call budget; 90% of eligible costs; projects normally up to 24 months
Summary: Supports a Europe-wide rapid response mechanism monitoring media freedom and providing practical protection for journalists under threat.
Key Information: Requires at least two independent beneficiaries from two different eligible countries.
Description
This Creative Europe cross-sectoral call supports an independent, Europe-wide rapid response mechanism for media freedom and journalists’ safety. Managed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), it funds monitoring and practical assistance across EU Member States, countries participating in Creative Europe, and candidate countries. Its goal is to protect threatened journalists and enable them to continue their professional activities while promoting an independent and pluralistic media environment.
Supported work includes legal advice, shelter and logistical assistance, advocacy missions, safety and cybersecurity training, awareness campaigns, and communication activities. Monitoring should provide early warnings, publish alerts on a dedicated website, and produce regular reports identifying trends. Projects may also use studies, digital tools, networks, exchanges of good practices, conferences, and financial support to journalists and relevant NGOs.
