The Innovation. Media. Minds.: EU Support to Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans Programme has launched its third call for International Mobility Grants for public service media (PSM) professionals. The scheme funds short-term job-shadowing and professional development placements in EU and Western Balkan media institutions, with grants of up to EUR 5,000. Eligible applicants must be mid-career or young media professionals affiliated with a Western Balkan PSM and must apply through the GAP platform by 05 December 2025.

International Mobility Grants for Western Balkan Public Service Media Professionals (2025–2026)

Overview

The Innovation. Media. Minds. Programme—an EU-supported initiative strengthening public service journalism in the Western Balkans—has opened its third call for International Mobility Grants. These grants support short-term professional development through mobility placements in EU and Western Balkan media institutions.

The programme aims to enhance public service media governance, improve content quality, increase audience engagement, and support media professionals in accessing modern EU journalism practices.

Key Objectives

• Strengthen internal governance and organisational performance of PSMs

• Enhance content quality, relevance and innovation

• Increase audience participation and engagement

• Equip media professionals with EU-aligned journalism skills, expertise and professional exposure

• Foster collaboration between Western Balkan and EU media organisations

What the Grant Supports

Grant recipients may participate in job-shadowing programmes hosted by:

• EU public service media organisations

• Western Balkan public service media entities

• Reputable journalism institutes, training centres, and innovation hubs

Funding Details

• Maximum grant amount: EUR 5,000 per recipient

• Mobility duration: up to 30 days, no minimum stay required

• Costs covered: real and justified mobility expenses

• Ineligible costs include: VAT, entertainment, and unapproved expenses

Approved budgets cannot increase, though adjustments may be allowed if actual mobility differs from the original plan. Co-funding is permitted but must follow the grant’s no-profit and non-retroactivity principles.

Why It Matters

Public service media in the Western Balkans face challenges related to modernisation, editorial independence, and audience trust. This grant directly supports capacity building by enabling professionals to learn from advanced EU media systems, adopt new practices, and introduce innovative storytelling, digital skills and editorial solutions inside their home institutions.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Professional Profile

• Mid-career or young media professionals

• Minimum one year of relevant experience

• Must be engaged in content production, creation, improvement or development

Institutional Requirements

• Must be formally affiliated with a Western Balkan PSM organisation

• The PSM must have a signed MoU with the Goethe-Institut and DW Akademie

• Past beneficiaries from previous calls are not eligible

Other Conditions

• Applicants select any eligible destination within the EU or Western Balkans

• Applicants are fully responsible for acquiring visas and travel documents

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Gather Required Documentation

Prepare the following documents:

• Confirmation from the host organisation

• Proof of formal affiliation with a Western Balkan PSM

• Explanation of how the mobility will support professional development

• Complete application details in English

Step 2: Submit via GAP Platform

• Complete the online application on the GAP platform

• Submit by 05 December 2025, 14:00 CET

• Only complete applications are evaluated

Step 3: Evaluation Process

Applications undergo three levels of assessment:

1. Formal check

2. Quality assessment

3. Final selection, ensuring gender and geographical balance

Step 4: Grant Disbursement

• Beneficiaries receive 85% of funds upon signing the grant agreement

• Remaining 15% is paid after final reporting and approval

Step 5: Implementation Timeline

• Earliest project start: 01 February 2026

• All mobility activities must end by 31 May 2026

• Visa support letters available upon request

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing required host confirmation

• Lack of detailed professional development justification

• Submitting applications after the deadline

• Applying without proper PSM affiliation

• Budget requests including ineligible costs

• Starting activities before signing the grant agreement

FAQ

1. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to EUR 5,000 per applicant.

2. Is there a minimum duration for the mobility?
No. Mobility can be any length up to 30 days.

3. Can previous grant recipients apply again?
No. Applicants from earlier calls are ineligible.

4. Are visas covered by the grant?
Costs may be eligible, but obtaining documents is solely the applicant’s responsibility.

5. What types of activities qualify?
Job-shadowing, training, and capacity-building activities in eligible media institutions.

6. When can mobility begin?
No earlier than 01 February 2026, and only after signing the grant agreement.

7. What expenses are not eligible?
VAT, entertainment, and any cost not approved in the final budget.

Conclusion

The International Mobility Grants provide a valuable opportunity for Western Balkan public service media professionals to strengthen their skills, learn from EU journalism practices, and contribute to improved public service media performance in their home countries. With structured mobility, financial support, and high-impact professional exposure, the programme promotes better governance, stronger content and a more engaged public across the region.