Youth Facing Disinformation – Why Journalists Matter Program

Youth Facing Disinformation – Why Journalists Matter Program is sponsored by Council of Europe (in cooperation with the Youth Department's Youth Revitalising Democracy Project). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Council of Europe Youth Facing Disinformation – Why Journalists Matter 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity for Young Journalists, Content Creators & Youth Leaders in Europe - Opportunities for Youth The Council of Europe has officially launched applications for its Youth Facing Disinformation – Why Journalists Matter 2026 initiative, an exciting fully funded opportunity that empowers young people to become champions of trustworthy information, media literacy, democratic participation, and freedom of expression.

Taking place on 9–10 November 2026 in Strasbourg, France , this initiative is organized under the Monaco Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe as part of the Journalists Matter Campaign , in cooperation with the Youth Revitalising Democracy project.

Young people across the Council of Europe member states are invited either to participate in the international event or lead youth-driven projects that tackle disinformation, strengthen journalist safety, and promote quality journalism.

If you are passionate about journalism, democracy, digital media, fact-checking, civic engagement, or combating misinformation, this is an exceptional opportunity to build your skills, network with leading experts, and contribute to shaping Europe’s democratic future.

About the Youth Facing Disinformation – Why Journalists Matter Initiative The Council of Europe recognizes that safe journalism and reliable information are fundamental pillars of democracy . When journalists face intimidation, threats, censorship or violence, reliable information becomes harder to access. This creates an environment where false information spreads rapidly, public trust erodes, and democratic participation weakens.

To respond to these challenges, the Council of Europe created Youth Facing Disinformation – Why Journalists Matter , placing young people at the center of protecting: Purpose of the Initiative The initiative seeks to empower young Europeans to become active defenders of trustworthy information by: Strengthening media literacy Encouraging responsible digital citizenship Supporting youth-led innovation Promoting journalist safety Encouraging democratic participation Building cross-border collaboration among young people The Council of Europe offers two separate opportunities under this initiative.

1. Apply to Participate in the Strasbourg Event Young people may apply to attend the international conference and workshops taking place in Strasbourg. The participation call opens: 6 July – 1 September 2026 Selected participants will automatically attend the two-day programme.

2. Apply for a Youth Project Grant Applicants may also submit proposals for youth-led projects that focus on: Countering disinformation Applicants interested in funding must submit a separate grant application. If selected for funding, project leaders will automatically be registered to attend the Strasbourg event.

What Happens During the Strasbourg Event? The international event will bring together: Civil society representatives Participants will exchange ideas and develop practical solutions to strengthen trustworthy information across Europe.

European Youth Centre Strasbourg Day One: High-Level Conference Held at the Palais de l’Europe , participants will engage with leading professionals through discussions on topics including: Disinformation and information manipulation Journalism in the digital age Artificial intelligence and media literacy This conference provides direct interaction with policymakers, researchers, journalists, digital creators, and media experts.

Day Two: Interactive Workshops Hosted at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg , practical workshops will allow participants to: Investigate real information challenges Learn professional fact-checking techniques Practice information verification Explore journalism under pressure Improve critical thinking Strengthen digital literacy Develop recommendations for future youth action The workshops emphasize hands-on learning through simulations, collaborative exercises, and peer discussions.

Benefits of Participating Successful participants will receive numerous benefits, including: Fully funded participation in Strasbourg International networking opportunities Direct engagement with leading journalists Practical media literacy training Fact-checking and verification skills Understanding of AI and digital media Exposure to European policymakers Collaboration with youth leaders from across Europe Experience in democratic dialogue Opportunities to contribute ideas on freedom of expression Increased visibility within European youth networks The Council of Europe will cover: Meals throughout the event This allows selected participants to fully focus on learning, collaboration, and networking without financial barriers.

Activities will be conducted in: Interpretation will be available during plenary sessions.

Applications are open to young people who: Reside in one of the Council of Europe member states Have an interest or experience in one or more of the following fields: The Council of Europe particularly encourages applications from: Civil society organizations Participants will gain opportunities to: Meet renowned journalists and media professionals. Learn directly from experts working against disinformation.

Build practical digital literacy skills. Strengthen fact-checking and verification techniques. Exchange ideas with young leaders across Europe.

Expand international professional networks. Help shape future European youth perspectives on journalism and democracy. Contribute to strengthening freedom of expression and trustworthy information.

Call for youth project proposals. 6 July – 1 September 2026 Applications open for event participation. Selection process completed and project mentoring begins.

International conference and workshops held in Strasbourg. Deadline for funded projects to complete implementation. Selected projects showcased during the Journalists Matter Campaign Closing Conference in the Netherlands.

Participation Application Deadline: 1 September 2026 Applicants selected to attend will be notified by 17 September 2026 . Why This Initiative Matters Disinformation has become one of the defining challenges of modern democracies.

From artificial intelligence-generated misinformation to coordinated online manipulation, today’s information ecosystem requires informed citizens who can critically evaluate information and defend freedom of expression.

The Council of Europe’s “Youth Facing Disinformation – Why Journalists Matter” initiative equips young people with practical skills, international networks, and meaningful opportunities to contribute to stronger democratic societies. By investing in youth leadership and responsible journalism, the programme supports a new generation capable of protecting information integrity across Europe.

Whether you are an aspiring journalist, a digital content creator, an educator, a researcher, or simply someone passionate about democracy and media literacy, this initiative provides an outstanding platform to learn, collaborate, and create lasting impact. Click HERE to learn more about this fully funded opportunity for young journalists, content creators & youth leaders in Europe.

The Council of Europe’s Youth Facing Disinformation – Why Journalists Matter 2026 initiative represents a unique opportunity for young people to actively engage in defending democracy, promoting media freedom, and strengthening information integrity across Europe.

Through fully funded participation, practical workshops, networking with leading journalists and policymakers, and opportunities to lead impactful youth projects, participants will gain invaluable knowledge, skills, and international connections.

If you are passionate about journalism, digital media, civic engagement, or combating disinformation, this programme offers an excellent platform to contribute to meaningful change while becoming part of a growing European movement dedicated to protecting freedom of expression and trustworthy information. Discover more global Conference , Journalism and European opportunities on OFY.

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