Threats against journalists and media workers increasingly take hybrid forms: legal harassment, online intimidation, coordinated smear campaigns, surveillance, and economic pressure, often combined with physical risks. These situations frequently require fast, flexible, and confidential responses to protect those targeted and help them continue their work.
As part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), Free Press Unlimited (FPU) provides practical assistance tailored to the realities journalists face across Europe and candidate countries. This support may include:
- Medical assistance for injuries sustained in the course of journalistic work;
- Subsistence support for journalists who are temporarily unable to work or who need to relocate from an unsafe situation;
- Psychological support, including advice, referrals, and funding for professional care;
- Work provisions such as secure digital tools, protective equipment, or essential work materials in exceptional cases;
- Family support for dependants of journalists who are imprisoned, missing, or otherwise unable to work;
- Preventive safety measures, including security training, digital protection tools, and guidance on safe communication and reporting practices;
Eligibility criteria
- You are a media organisation or practising media professional in an EU member state or candidate country;
- Your emergency situation is a direct result of your journalistic work;
- You understand that this assistance is short-term and not a substitute for structural funding;
- You intend to resume your journalistic activities when it is safe to do so;
- Your situation can be confirmed by at least two trusted sources independent of the applicant.
If you meet these criteria, we invite you to apply for our practical support offers.
Ready to apply?
To apply, complete the secure application form managed by the consortium partner Free Press Unlimited (FPU).
