Call for Applicants: Travel Grants for Knowledge-Sharing Event on International Reporting Practices and AI Guidelines (Perugia, Italy)

Journalists and media professionals across Europe are invited to apply for travel and subsistence grants to attend a knowledge-sharing and capacity-building event on international reporting practices and AI guidelines, taking place in Perugia, Italy, from 15–16 April 2026. The event is organised by Tactical Tech under the EU-funded Media Organisations for Stronger Transnational Journalism (MOST) project.

Selected participants will receive up to €1,000 per person to cover travel and subsistence costs. The event will bring together journalists, editors, and media practitioners interested in public-interest journalism, audience development, international reporting, and the responsible use of AI tools in media.

The application deadline is 18 February 2026 at 17:00 CET.

---

Event Overview

The Perugia event is designed as a skill-sharing, mutual learning, and networking space for journalists and media professionals working in or interested in transnational and public-interest reporting. Over two days, participants will engage in discussions and practical exchanges on:

• Editorial practices for mitigating cultural bias in international reporting

• Media viability and audience development strategies

• Responsible and ethical use of AI-powered tools in journalism

• Sharing real-world experiences and best practices across European media networks

The event will take place in Perugia, Italy, on 15–16 April 2026, with participants expected to arrive on 14 April 2026 to join sessions starting the morning of the first day. Attendance for the full duration of the programme is mandatory for all funded participants.

While the event coincides with the International Journalism Festival (15–18 April 2026), it is not part of the official festival programme. However, participants may choose to stay longer in Perugia to attend the festival independently if they wish.

---

Funding Details

Tactical Tech will provide travel and subsistence support of up to €1,000 per participant, reimbursed after the event based on submitted receipts. The funding covers:

• International and local travel

• Accommodation

• Travel insurance

• Local subsistence (per diem)

The organisers aim to support an average of six participants. Applicants who can partially or fully fund their participation from other sources are encouraged to indicate this in their application.

---

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

You are encouraged to apply if you meet the following criteria:

• You are a journalist or media professional, including editors, reporters, or content producers

• You are affiliated with or collaborate with a regional European Hub organisation that is part of the Collaborative and Investigative Journalism Initiative (CIJI), such as:

  • RISE Project Romania

  • Investigate Europe

  • Journalists in Need Network

  • Fundacja Reporterow

  • OBC Transeuropa

  • Delfi

  While this affiliation is not mandatory, some level of connection is relevant, as the project aims to strengthen and expand existing media networks across Europe.

• You are a citizen of a Creative Europe Participating Country, including EU Member States, EEA countries, or non-EU countries associated with the Creative Europe Programme

• You have experience in collaborative, public-interest, or international reporting

• You have experience producing content for diverse audiences at local, national, or cross-border levels

• You are interested in:

  • Avoiding reporting bias

  • Using AI tools responsibly in journalism

  • Improving audience development, engagement, and outreach strategies

• You have limited access to in-person, cross-border learning and collaboration opportunities

• You are committed to actively participating for the full duration of the event

The event will be conducted in English, so applicants must have a working proficiency in the language.

---

Financial Support and Travel Planning

Selected participants are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation. Reimbursement will be processed after the event, once all receipts are submitted and attendance is confirmed.

The organisers will provide:

• The full event agenda

• Logistical guidance

• Local information to support smooth participation

---

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the online application form:

👉 Application form here

🗓 Deadline: 18 February 2026, 17:00 CET

Applicants are expected to clearly demonstrate:

• Their experience in producing and distributing public-interest journalism

• How participation in the event will benefit their future work

• How they plan to apply the skills and knowledge gained

For transparency, applicants should disclose whether AI tools were used in preparing their application responses.

---

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a team of journalists and researchers from Tactical Tech and CIJI partner organisations. Selection will be based on a balance of:

• Professional experience and skills

• Diversity and inclusion

• Demonstrated need for support

• Ability to contribute to and benefit from the event

Successful applicants will be notified by 2 March 2026.

---

Contact Information

For questions related to the event or application process, contact:
eti@tacticaltech.org

---

About the Organisers

The event is hosted by the Media Organisations for Stronger Transnational Journalism (MOST) project, which aims to strengthen the resilience of independent European media through innovative audience development strategies and cross-border collaboration.

The MOST consortium is led by OBC Transeuropa and includes Le Courrier des Balkans, New Eastern Europe, European Pravda, BIRN, El Orden Mundial, and Tactical Tech. The project is funded by the European Commission Creative Europe (CREA) Fund.

Tactical Tech is an international NGO working with journalists, activists, and civil society to explore and mitigate the societal impacts of technology.

---

Disclaimer:
This project is funded by the European Union. The views expressed are those of the organisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

---

Subscribe to OFY for more opportunities like this…