“Youth4Regions” Programme for Aspiring Journalists

The European Commission’s Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) wishes to encourage journalism students and young journalists to learn about the EU, Cohesion Policy and to communicate on European solidarity and concrete projects co-funded by the European Union.

The programme includes trainings on journalism and EU affairs, mentorship from established journalists, visits of media organisations and EU institutions, as well as European Commission certified work experience as journalists covering the EU Regions’ Week. Upon completion of the programme the participants become part of the Youth4Regions Alumni network.

The European Commission will select the three winners of the 2024 Megalizzi – Niedzielski prize for aspiring journalists from among the 37 selected participants based on their entries in the competition and their commitment to European journalism.

All 37 successful applicants will be invited to Brussels to attend the Youth4Regions programme during the 05 – 11 October 2024, for which the European Commission will cover food, travel and accommodation.

Objectives

• The specific objectives include:
  • Providing the framework and conditions for young and future journalists to specialize in EU affairs and Regional Policy
  • Fostering young journalistic productions to promote knowledge of EU-funded projects
  • Promoting innovative means of covering the European Week of Regions and Cities
  • Enhancing the links between European institutions and young Europeans

What do they offer?

• Trainings on journalism and EU Cohesion Policy
• The chance to receive mentorship from established journalists from your country
• Working side by side with renowned journalists during the EU Regions’ Week
• Visits of EU affairs media headquarters and EU institutions
• The unique opportunity to take part as a journalist in European Commission press trips to Member States
• Accommodation, food and travel expenses covered by the European Commission

Eligible Countries

• European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) countries (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria and Tunisia, as well as Armenia and Azerbaijan), EU candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine) and potential candidates ( Kosovo), European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) and the UK.

Eligibility Criteria

• The call for applications is open to any person that fulfils all the following conditions:
  • Is a citizen of an EU Member State or an EU neighbouring country
  • Is between 18 and 30 years old
  • Demonstrates a real interest in a journalistic career through studies and/or work experience
  • Has not participated in previous editions of the Youth4Regions Programme
• Only individual applications are accepted.
• Contributions are accepted in all the 24 EU official languages. However, in case of photo and video submissions they require a short-written summary in English.
• Please note that all communication with the Youth4Regions secretariat will be in English.

For more information, visit European Commission (EC).