Gohlis, Leipzig via Unsplash
The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) consortium offers temporary shelter for journalists, media workers, documentarists, and press photographers based in the EU or one of the candidate countries. The Journalists-in-Residence programme is implemented by the MFRR Partner European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) and is designed to help those facing harassment and intimidation as a direct result of their work as well as those who are working under pressure and/or are in need of a break.
Journalists get the chance to rest and recuperate in a safe and discreet place, and also to continue their work at their own pace and use their time in Leipzig for networking and finding solidarity. The Journalists-in-Residence programme lasts for either three or up to six months, and includes a rent-free furnished apartment in Leipzig, as well as a monthly stipend to cover basic living costs. It also covers visa expenses, travel costs, and health insurance.
Based on individual needs, the programme can also cover digital security training, psychological counselling, and other journalism-related workshop sessions on topics like investigative journalism and social media management.
Application deadline: 15 November 2026
Fellowships will take place in 2027
What can the JiR programme provide?
- safe and discreet place to continue investigating and publishing, to rest and to recover (max. 6 months)
- rent-free, furnished apartment in Leipzig
- basic health insurance
- monthly stipend of 1,000 euros
- travel expenses to and from Leipzig (arrival and departure)
- visa costs
Optional:
- psychological counselling
- language course
- participation in journalism-related trainings
- networking opportunities
- a workplace in the ECPMF office
In order to participate in the JiR programme you should be a legal resident in one of the MFRR mandate countries, i.e. in an EU Member State or in a candidate country.
List of MFRR mandate countries (in alphabetical order):
- Albania
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Turkey
- Ukraine
Other requirements:
- Valid passport
- At least two references from reputable human rights or media organisations confirming at least 3 years of journalistic work as well as the threats, pressure, intimidation, persecution, and mental health challenges experienced by the journalist as a result of their journalistic activities.
- Verifiable English, German, or Russian language skills (at least A2-level)
How to apply:
In order to apply for the JiR Programme, please send the following documents to journalistsinresidence@ecpmf.eu:
- A completed JiR Application Form
- A completed JiR Questionnaire
- Your CV
- The two aforementioned reference letters
- ID Documents
After a comprehensive verification and review process, the fellows approved by the Selection Committee will be invited to Leipzig for the Journalists-in-Residence Programme.
Information for international temporary relocation institutions: ECPMF takes over appropriate cases of media professionals at risk that have already been fact-checked by its network partners and provides relocation fellowships in Leipzig to enable a swift reaction to urgent cases. For this purpose, please get in contact with the Journalists-in-Residence Programme Manager at journalistsinresidence@ecpmf.eu
