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

Across today’s digital world, young people consume information through social media platforms, search engines, artificial intelligence tools, and algorithm-driven content feeds. While these technologies have made information more accessible than ever before, they have also contributed to an unprecedented rise in:

• Disinformation
• Misinformation
• Information manipulation
• Deepfakes
• Online propaganda
• Digital harassment
• Attacks on journalists

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:

• Freedom of expression
• Information integrity
• Democratic resilience
• Media freedom
• Journalism
• Digital literacy

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
• Fighting disinformation
• Encouraging democratic participation
• Building cross-border collaboration among young people

Two Ways to Get Involved

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
• Media literacy
• Freedom of expression
• Safety of journalists
• Youth engagement

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:

• Young leaders
• Journalists
• Media creators
• Researchers
• Policymakers
• Civil society representatives
• Democracy experts

Participants will exchange ideas and develop practical solutions to strengthen trustworthy information across Europe.

Event Details

Dates

9–10 November 2026

Venue

• European Youth Centre Strasbourg
• Palais de l’Europe
• Strasbourg, France

Programme Overview

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
• Freedom of expression
• Democratic resilience
• Journalist safety
• Information integrity

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
• Understand newsroom decision-making
• 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

Financial Support

The Council of Europe will cover:

• International travel
• Accommodation
• Meals throughout the event

This allows selected participants to fully focus on learning, collaboration, and networking without financial barriers.

Working Languages

Activities will be conducted in:

• English
• French

Interpretation will be available during plenary sessions.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to young people who:

• Are 18–30 years old
• Reside in one of the Council of Europe member states
• Have an interest or experience in one or more of the following fields:
  • Journalism
  • Media
  • Digital content creation
  • Human rights
  • Media literacy
  • Fact-checking
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Information integrity
  • Education
  • Youth work
  • Civic participation
  • Democracy
  • Civil society

The Council of Europe particularly encourages applications from:

• Journalists
• Journalism students
• Digital creators
• Youth leaders
• Educators
• Researchers
• Civil society organizations
• Youth organizations

Why You Should Apply

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.

Timeline

30 April – 1 July 2026

Call for youth project proposals.

6 July – 1 September 2026

Applications open for event participation.

15 September 2026

Selection process completed and project mentoring begins.

9–10 November 2026

International conference and workshops held in Strasbourg.

1 July 2027

Deadline for funded projects to complete implementation.

November 2027

Selected projects showcased during the Journalists Matter Campaign Closing Conference in the Netherlands.

Application Deadline

Participation Application Deadline: 1 September 2026

Applicants selected to attend will be notified by 17 September 2026.

APPLY HERE TO PARTICIPATE

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.

Conclusion

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.

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