The European Commission has announced a new call for media proposals, presented during the ceremony that celebrated the winners of the 2025 Megalizzi–Niedzielski Prize for Aspiring Journalists. The announcement was made in Brussels as part of the annual EU Week of Regions and Cities, an event dedicated to highlighting the results and impact of EU Cohesion Policy across European regions.

This new call for media proposals marks the ninth edition of the initiative and reflects the Commission’s ongoing commitment to supporting high-quality, independent journalism that helps citizens better understand the role of Cohesion Policy in strengthening regional development, social inclusion, innovation, environmental transition, and economic growth.

With a budget of 3.5 million euros, the call invites media outlets, universities, journalism schools, training institutions and other organisations to create original, factual and engaging content that communicates the impact of EU-funded actions across the continent.

Winners of the Megalizzi–Niedzielski Prize 2025

During the ceremony, the European Commission honoured three outstanding young journalists who participated in the Youth4Regions Programme:

• Elisa Ortuso (Italy) received the “Lens Award” for her video covering an EU-funded project in Rome that supports Ukrainian families with children undergoing cancer treatment.

• Hildegard Leloué (France) won the “Pen Award” thanks to her insightful reporting on European affairs and the impact of Cohesion Policy projects.

• Sarah Costes (France) received the public-voted “Frame Award” for her compelling photograph capturing a stork protection initiative in Diyarbakir.

These awards celebrate the legacy of Antonio Megalizzi and Bartek Orent-Niedzielski, two journalists tragically killed in the 2018 Strasbourg attack. Their work continues to inspire young reporters committed to covering European themes with integrity and innovation.

Readers interested in the broader communication framework of EU Cohesion Policy can explore the Commission’s official Regional Policy portal:
https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/

About the New Call for Media Proposals

The new call for media proposals is designed to strengthen public understanding of Cohesion Policy by supporting the creation of independent, high-quality media content. The call encourages applicants to propose editorial projects that:

• Explain how Cohesion Policy investments affect daily life

• Highlight local and regional projects funded by the EU

• Promote transparency and understanding of EU actions

• Showcase impact stories from communities across Member States

Eligible applicants may include individual media organisations or consortia with proven experience in journalism, communication, or EU policy coverage. Proposed content may take the form of written articles, video reports, podcasts, photojournalism, multimedia storytelling, or cross-platform news formats.

More information on EU communication strategies can be found on the “Communicating Regional Policy” page:
https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/communication/

Coverage Topics and Editorial Scope

Applicants responding to the new call for media proposals may focus on several themes central to Cohesion Policy, including:

• Digital transformation and innovation

• Environmental sustainability and biodiversity

• Social inclusion and community development

• Transport and infrastructure investments

• Urban and rural regeneration

• Economic development and regional competitiveness

The call welcomes innovative editorial approaches capable of reaching different audiences, including young people, citizens with limited access to EU information, and local communities.

Budget, Deadline and Application Process

The total budget allocated for the call is 3.5 million euros, which will be distributed to selected proposals demonstrating editorial independence, relevance, quality and strong outreach potential.

Deadline

15 January 2026 – 17:00 CET

Application Link

Applications must be submitted through the official EU Funding & Tenders Portal:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities

All supporting documents, technical requirements and eligibility conditions are available directly on the portal.

Why This Call Matters

This new call for media proposals plays a crucial role in strengthening democratic engagement by ensuring citizens have access to accurate information about how EU funds are used. Transparent and compelling media content helps counter misinformation, increases public trust in EU institutions and highlights the practical benefits of EU investments in local communities.

For journalists, universities and media organisations, the call represents a strategic opportunity to develop impactful storytelling, strengthen editorial networks and contribute to a better understanding of European regional development.

Those interested in additional background on Cohesion Policy programmes can visit the broader Regional Policy website:
https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/

For more international career opportunities, visit Opportunities For Youth.