CFAs: Press Exchange and Collaborative Investigations on Energy and Environment (France and Moldova)

The CFI has opened applications to select 10 Moldova-based journalists for a France–Moldova press exchange and collaborative investigation programme focused on energy, environment, and climate. The initiative offers fully funded participation in an exchange in France, followed by cross-border investigative collaboration with French journalists.

Overview

The CFI France–Moldova press exchange programme supports journalists in Moldova to strengthen their reporting and investigative skills on energy and environmental issues.

The programme combines professional exchange, editorial collaboration, and investigative story production, with a strong focus on cross-border journalism.

What the Program Supports

The initiative is designed to:

Strengthen reporting and investigative skills on energy, environment, and climate
Build practical collaboration between Moldovan and French journalists
Support the production of high-quality collaborative investigative stories
Encourage long-term professional links between journalists in both countries

A key feature of the programme is its cross-border investigative dimension, making it especially relevant for journalists interested in regional and international reporting.

Key Thematic Focus Areas

The programme addresses important issues affecting Moldova and the wider region, including:

Energy security and affordability
Diversification of gas and electricity supplies
Environmental impacts of energy infrastructure
Power system resilience
Energy dependency and supply risks
Energy price shocks
Energy transition and climate issues
Natural resources and environmental governance

This thematic focus reflects Moldova’s ongoing challenges related to energy dependence, vulnerability to supply disruptions, and environmental impacts.

What Selected Journalists Will Receive

Selected participants will join a fully funded exchange programme in France.

The programme includes:

Editorial discussions
Professional meetings
Field visits with stakeholders in the energy sector
Opportunities to collaborate with French journalists
Support to produce collaborative investigative stories
Long-term professional networking opportunities

Funding Coverage

The organisers will cover full participation costs for the France exchange, including:

International transport
Local transport
Accommodation
Per diem (according to organiser rules)

Why This Opportunity Matters

This is a strong opportunity for Moldova-based journalists who want to deepen their expertise in energy and environmental reporting while gaining hands-on experience in cross-border investigative journalism.

It can help participants:

Build stronger investigative reporting skills
Access international editorial perspectives
Develop collaborative reporting methods
Strengthen coverage of complex energy and climate issues
Produce publishable stories with international relevance
Build long-term media partnerships

For journalists covering public-interest topics in Moldova, this can be both a professional development and story production opportunity.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to experienced journalists based in Moldova.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be professional journalists based in Moldova
Have a proven portfolio of recent work
Regularly cover energy or environmental topics

Relevant coverage may include:

Energy production
Energy infrastructure
Energy transition
Climate issues
Natural resources

Additional Requirements

Applicants should also:

Demonstrate experience in investigative journalism or a strong interest in it
Have operational English skills
Ensure editorial independence
Declare any conflicts of interest

How to Apply Strategically

A strong application should show both subject expertise and cross-border investigative potential.

Best Application Approach

Show a clear reporting track record
Highlight recent journalism focused on energy, environment, or climate.
Emphasize investigative ability
Include examples of in-depth, evidence-based, or accountability-focused reporting.
Demonstrate Moldova relevance
Connect your work to Moldova’s energy and environmental challenges.
Highlight cross-border story potential
Show why collaboration with French journalists could strengthen your reporting.
Prove English readiness
Make sure your application clearly reflects your ability to work in English.
Maintain transparency
Clearly state any potential conflicts of interest and reinforce editorial independence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common issues:

Applying without a clear portfolio in energy or environmental reporting
Showing only general journalism experience without topic relevance
Failing to demonstrate interest or experience in investigative journalism
Ignoring the importance of the cross-border angle
Submitting weak English-language materials if required
Not addressing editorial independence or potential conflicts of interest

FAQs

1) Who is offering this opportunity?

The programme is offered by CFI.

2) How many journalists will be selected?

The call will select:

10 Moldova-based journalists

3) What is the programme about?

It is a France–Moldova press exchange and collaborative investigation programme focused on:

Energy
Environment
Climate

4) What does the funding cover?

The programme covers full participation costs for the France exchange, including:

International transport
Local transport
Accommodation
Per diem

5) Who can apply?

Applicants must be:

Professional journalists based in Moldova
Have a recent portfolio
Regularly cover energy or environmental topics

6) Is investigative experience required?

Applicants should have:

Experience in investigative journalism, or
A strong interest in investigative reporting

Conclusion

The CFI France–Moldova press exchange programme is an excellent opportunity for Moldova-based journalists working on energy, environment, and climate to strengthen their reporting skills, build international collaboration, and produce cross-border investigative stories. With fully funded participation in France and direct collaboration with French journalists, it is especially valuable for reporters seeking both professional growth and impactful story development.