Deadline: 30-Jul-2026
The European Cross-border Grant Programme is inviting applications from independent investigative journalism teams to support in-depth reporting projects that address issues of European relevance. The initiative aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration among journalists while enabling investigations that require significant research, coordination, and resources that are often difficult to secure through traditional newsroom budgets.
Through six funding rounds, the programme supports investigative projects with strong public interest value, helping journalists uncover complex stories that transcend national borders and contribute to informed public debate across Europe.
About the Program
- The programme supports independent cross-border investigative journalism projects.
- It encourages collaboration between journalists and media organizations operating in different countries.
- The initiative aims to strengthen European investigative reporting capacity.
- Funding is intended to cover research expenses that are often difficult for newsrooms to finance independently.
- The programme promotes high-quality journalism with strong public interest and cross-border relevance.
- Investigations should address issues affecting multiple countries or audiences beyond a single national context.
- Participation from outside Europe may be considered when it contributes significantly to the investigation.
Program Objectives
- Strengthen cross-border investigative journalism in Europe.
- Promote collaboration between journalists and independent media outlets.
- Support public interest reporting on issues of European significance.
- Enable in-depth investigations requiring extensive research.
- Improve the quality and reach of investigative journalism.
- Foster knowledge sharing and professional cooperation among journalists.
- Increase public awareness of complex transnational issues.
- Support independent journalism and media plurality.
Thematic Focus Areas
While all themes are generally eligible, proposals should demonstrate strong cross-border relevance and substantive news value.
The programme particularly highlights the following topics:
- Carbon dioxide removal.
- Extreme weather forecasting.
- New ideas related to solar geoengineering.
Important Note on Solar Geoengineering
- Investigations exploring emerging ideas, debates, governance, or implications related to solar geoengineering may be considered.
- Proposals focused specifically on the implementation or application of solar geoengineering technologies are not eligible.
Funding Information
- Total programme funding: €1,680,000.
- Total number of funding rounds: Six.
- Funding allocated per call: €280,000.
- Four application rounds will take place in 2026.
- Two application rounds will take place in 2027.
Eligible Applicants
Applications are open to cross-border journalism teams consisting of:
- At least two professional journalists.
- Independent local news outlets.
- Independent national news organizations.
- Collaborative teams combining journalists and media organizations.
Applicants must also meet the following requirements:
- Team members must operate from at least two different European countries.
- At least 80% of the requested budget must be allocated to journalists or media organizations based in EU countries.
- Participants from outside Europe may be included if their involvement is directly relevant to the investigation.
Eligible Expenses
The grant supports investigative research costs that would otherwise be difficult to finance.
Eligible expenses include:
- Travel costs related to reporting activities.
- Translation services.
- Access to paywalled databases and research resources.
- Dedicated research time for investigative work.
- Other reasonable expenses directly linked to conducting investigations.
Ineligible Expenses
The programme does not support fixed operational or capital expenses.
Ineligible costs include:
- Office rent and utility expenses.
- General administrative overheads.
- Cameras and photography equipment.
- Computers and hardware purchases.
- Investments in newsroom infrastructure.
- General production expenses not directly related to investigative research activities.
What Makes a Strong Proposal?
Successful applications are likely to demonstrate:
- Clear cross-border relevance.
- Strong investigative methodology.
- Significant public interest value.
- Well-defined collaboration between team members.
- A feasible reporting plan and timeline.
- Appropriate allocation of responsibilities.
- Realistic budgeting aligned with eligible expenses.
- The potential to generate meaningful journalistic impact.
Why This Program Matters
- Many of today’s most pressing issues extend beyond national borders and require collaborative reporting approaches.
- Investigative journalism often involves substantial costs that independent journalists struggle to meet.
- Cross-border partnerships help uncover hidden patterns, networks, and systemic challenges.
- Independent journalism strengthens transparency and democratic accountability.
- Public interest investigations contribute to informed decision-making and civic engagement.
- The programme supports media diversity and professional cooperation across Europe.
Application Tips
- Build a team with complementary expertise and clear reporting roles.
- Ensure the investigation demonstrates genuine cross-border significance.
- Explain why collaboration between countries is essential to the story.
- Present a detailed investigative plan and methodology.
- Develop a realistic budget focused on eligible research expenses.
- Avoid including operational or equipment costs in the proposal.
- Clearly describe the anticipated public impact of the investigation.
- Highlight previous investigative experience where relevant.
- Ensure that at least 80% of the requested budget benefits EU-based journalists or media organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the European Cross-border Grant Programme?
- Cross-border teams consisting of at least two professional journalists and/or independent local or national media outlets operating from at least two different European countries are eligible to apply.
How much funding is available under the programme?
- The programme provides a total of €1,680,000 distributed across six application rounds, with €280,000 available in each call.
Are investigations outside the highlighted themes eligible?
- Yes. All topics are generally eligible provided they demonstrate strong cross-border relevance and clear news value.
What expenses can the grant cover?
- Eligible expenses include travel, translation, access to paywalled databases, and dedicated investigative research time.
What costs are not eligible for funding?
- The grant does not cover office expenses, equipment purchases such as cameras and computers, newsroom infrastructure investments, or general production costs.
Can journalists or organizations from outside Europe participate?
- Yes. Participation from outside Europe may be accepted when it is relevant and necessary to the investigation.
Is there a requirement regarding budget allocation?
- Yes. At least 80% of the requested budget must be allocated to journalists or media organizations based in EU countries.
Conclusion
The European Cross-border Grant Programme provides a valuable opportunity for investigative journalists and independent media organizations to pursue ambitious reporting projects that address issues of European significance. By funding essential research activities and encouraging international collaboration, the initiative helps strengthen independent journalism, promote accountability, and ensure that complex cross-border stories receive the in-depth coverage they deserve.
For more information, visit Journalismfund Europe.