1/ Context and objectives of the call
CFI is launching a call for applications to select ten (10) Moldova-based journalists to take part in a France/Moldova press exchange and collaborative investigation programme on energy, environment and climate.
This activity is implemented under the project Strengthening democratic media in the Black Sea region, supported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It aims to support independent, high-quality journalism and cross-border cooperation on topics of strong public interest, such as energy security and affordability, the diversification of gas and electricity supplies, the environmental impact of energy infrastructure, and the resilience of the power system. In Moldova, these issues are particularly sensitive because the country remains highly import-dependent for energy and has been exposed to supply and price shocks, including in relation to information manipulation and disinformation narratives.
The programme has three objectives:
- strengthen participants’ skills to report/ to inquire on energy and environmental issues;
- build practical cooperation between Moldovan and French journalists;
- support the production and publication of high quality collaborative investigative stories with a clear cross-border angle.
Selected journalists will join a programme in France combining editorial exchanges and meetings/visits with professionals and institutions in the energy sector. After the exchange, participants will work with French journalists to develop and publish collaborative investigative stories, while building long-lasting professional links.
2/ Expected profile and requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- be a professional journalist based in Moldova and be able to provide a portfolio of recent work;
- regularly cover energy and/or environment-related topics, including: energy production, infrastructure, energy security and dependency, pollution and natural resources, energy transition (including energy efficiency), climate-related issues
- demonstrate experience or strong interest in investigation;
- have operational English;
- guarantee editorial independence and declare any conflict of interest.
Selection will also aim to ensure a good balance in terms of women/men and complementarity of profiles across the selected group.
3/ Programme of the activity (indicative)
Important: the detailed agenda will be shared with selected participants in advance. The programme is indicative and may evolve depending on confirmations and constraints, with participants informed ahead of time.
- a) Press exchange in France ((indicative dates in May 2026)
The exchange is planned in May 2026, tentatively 18–23 May 2026 (including travel days). Dates may change; selected participants will be informed in advance.
The France exchange will combine editorial exchanges and field-oriented meetings on energy and environmental issues. The programme may include, subject to confirmation:
- meetings with French institutions and stakeholders involved in energy policy, regulation, markets and consumer protection
- exchanges with energy sector operators (electricity and gas networks, distribution, smart metering)
- visits related to energy production and infrastructure, potentially including a nuclear-related visit when relevant and feasible.
- b) Reciprocal visit to Moldova by French journalists (dates to be confirmed)
Following the exchange in France, French journalists will travel to Moldova for a reciprocal visit. This visit is designed to meet local stakeholders relevant to the investigations and support joint reporting work with the selected Moldovan journalists.
The detailed schedule and dates will be shared with participants.
- c) Collaborative investigations and publication
After the exchange, Moldovan and French journalists will work in mixed teams (groups of 3-4 journalists) to develop and publish a cross-border investigative story on energy/environment/climate. Teams will be formed to ensure complementarity of profiles. The investigations will be guided by a set of proposed themes (non-exhaustive):
- energy prices, why prices vary from one country to another, how prices are set, who is supported (or not), links with disinformation narratives
- climate change and energy, impacts, trade-offs, policy choices, energy transition issues
- energy risks, challenges and opportunities including nuclear-related issues when relevant
The articles may be published in English, French or Romanian.
4/ Financial coverage and grant
What is covered for the press exchange in France (18–23 May 2026)
The organisers will provide full coverage for the selected Moldovan journalists, including:
- transport related to the programme (international and local), including travel days
- accommodation for the full duration of the exchange
- per diem according to the organiser’s rules
Practical details will be shared with selected participants ahead of travel.
5/ How to apply
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- CV (max 2 pages), including english level (mandatory) and any relevant experience and projects linked to energy/environment/climate.
- Motivation letter (max 1 page), covering your experience on energy/environment topics; your motivation to join the programme; and your availability for the full programme cycle.
- Publication commitment and newsroom support (mandatory, cf. appendices 1 et 2):
- a signed commitment letter from the applicant confirming they will propose the investigation to their newsroom and actively seek publication (appendix 1);
- a signed support letter from the media outlet/editorial management confirming the newsroom’s interest in the programme, and its commitment to support the journalist(s) in developing and publishing the investigation (this
- programme is designed as an opportunity for newsrooms as well as for individual journalists) (appendix 2).
- Proof of professional status: press card; media affiliation letter; freelancer registration; or equivalent
- Portfolio: applicants may also include 2 to 5 links to recent journalistic work (optional)
Applications only must be submitted online via this CFI’s platform.
For any questions related to this call, please contact Marie Nardoux, Project Manager at CFI, at marie.nardoux@cfi.fr
6/ Selection process and evaluation criteria
All eligible applications will be reviewed by a selection jury composed of both local and international members. The jury’s decisions are final and may not be appealed. Each submission will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
| 1. Motivation and commitment
The application clearly shows why the journalist wants to join this specific programme, how it matches their work, and that they understand what is expected. |
40 points |
| 2. Relevant professional backgroung
Track record of covering energy and/or environment topics, with recent publications and a good understanding of the main issues in Moldova. |
40 points |
| 3. Operational english
The journalist can work comfortably in English for meetings, coordination and joint production. |
20 points |
7/ Participation conditions, ethics and conflicts of interest
Participation in this programme is subject to the following conditions:
- Selected journalists must be able to work independently and keep full editorial control over their reporting, free from undue influence.
- Applicants must disclose any situation that could affect their impartiality on energy/environment topics (financial links, paid consultancy, political roles, contractual ties with relevant actors). A major undisclosed conflict of interest may lead to exclusion at any stage.
- Participants are expected to follow professional journalism standards, including accuracy, verification of information, and responsible handling of sensitive topics and sources.
- Participants must maintain respectful professional behaviour during all programme activities (meetings, field visits, joint work). The organisers may end participation in case of serious misconduct.
- Commitment to the full programme cycle: selection implies a commitment to take part in the full programme cycle, including online preparatory meetings, the exchange in France (18-23 May 2026) and the post-exchange collaboration.
8/ Personal data protection
In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (EU Regulation 2016/679), CFI commits to collecting and processing personal data from candidates and participants in a lawful, fair, and transparent manner.
The following personal data may be collected during the submission process:
- Full name
- Nationality
- Country of residence and address
- Email address and phone number
- Education and professional experiences
This data is collected exclusively for the purposes of organising and managing the call for applications, including participant eligibility verification, jury evaluation, and communication of results.
Personal data will be processed by CFI and its authorised partners, and may be shared, on a need-to-know basis only, with jury members and project collaborators involved in the contest implementation.
No data will be sold or used for commercial purposes.
No promotional or marketing communications will be sent to candidates and participants.
Data will be stored securely and retained only for the duration of the activity and the final reporting phase of the project, unless otherwise required by law. Participants and candidates may request the correction or deletion of their personal data at any time, in accordance with applicable data protection regulations.
Any questions or concerns regarding personal data may be addressed to CFI at: marie.nardoux@cfi.fr
By submitting an entry, participants and candidates acknowledge and accept the terms of this privacy policy.
9/ Final provisions
Participation in the press exchange and collaborative investigations on energy and environment implies full and unconditional acceptance of the present rules and all decisions taken by CFI.
CFI reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the program, or any part of its process, in the event of unforeseen circumstances or force majeure, without prior notice. Any changes to the schedule or conditions of the call for applications will be communicated as clearly and promptly as possible on the CFI website and official communication channels.
CFI shall not be held responsible for any technical issues, data loss, submission errors, or other difficulties arising from internet connectivity, third-party platforms, or participants’ personal equipment. In the event of a dispute regarding the interpretation or application of these rules, the organiser will make a final decision, and no further claims will be accepted.
This document constitutes the official and binding regulation of the call for applications. Any inquiries concerning the call may be addressed to: marie.nardoux@cfi.fr until March 10th 2026. Answers will be published on CFI website.
Appendix_1: COMMITMENT LETTER
Appendix_2: NEWSROOM SUPPORT LETTER
Categories :
Environment, Journalists’ trainingLocations :
MoldaviaPartners :
France DiplomacyMedia Types :
Online media, Radio, TV, Written pressProjects :
Democratic media strengthening in the Black Sea regionProject URL : https://cfi.fr/en/project/democratic-media-strengthening-black-sea-region
Email contact : marie.nardoux@cfi.fr