Context and objectives of the call
Black Sea Media for Democracy is a regional project implemented by CFI with the support of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. The project aims to strengthen cooperation between media actors in Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria, with a particular focus on disinformation, information influence and cross-border journalistic cooperation.
As part of this project, CFI is launching a call for applications to select up to 24 journalists from Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria, with a maximum of 8 participants per country.
The objectives of this call are to:
- identify journalists interested in investigating disinformation and influence mechanisms in the Black Sea region;
- strengthen their capacity to analyse and investigate these issues;
- encourage cooperation and exchange between journalists from the three countries;
- support the development of cross-border collaborative investigations intended for publication.
Programme of the activity
The programme will combine training, regional exchange and collaborative investigations. It will build on the findings of an analytical study on disinformation and influence mechanisms in Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria.
- Three-day training in Constanța, Romania
Up to 24 journalists, with a maximum of 8 participants per country, will take part in an in-person training in Constanța from 18 to 20 November 2026.
The training will be based on the findings of an analytical study and will combine presentations, case studies and practical exercises. It will cover disinformation trends and narratives in Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria, the circulation of content across digital platforms, OSINT and fact-checking techniques, analysis of online actors and networks, digital safety, AI-generated and manipulated content, gendered disinformation and responsible reporting. Participants will also work on practical cases and develop initial ideas for journalistic investigations. The training will conclude with work on story pitches, with feedback from the trainers. Practitioners with extensive professional experience in identifying, analysing, and addressing disinformation and manipulative narratives will deliver the training, including those circulating across the wider regional information environment. Their expertise will bring a strong practical dimension to the training, allowing participants to work with real-life examples, understand how narratives evolve and spread across borders and platforms, and apply relevant tools and methods to their own journalistic work.
- Cross-border collaborative investigations
Following the training, participants will have the opportunity to continue working together in cross-border teams composed of participants from different countries.
The teams established following the training will develop investigations related to disinformation and influence mechanisms in the Black Sea region. The investigations will receive methodological and technical support throughout their development.
The journalists will be able to receive a reporting grant of EUR 2,000 per journalist to support the production of the collaborative investigations.
- Publication of the investigations
The investigations developed through the programme are expected to result in journalistic content intended for publication in the participating journalists’ media. The programme will also encourage journalists to share their findings across countries and to continue professional cooperation beyond the activity.
Financial coverage
Participation in the programme is fully funded.
For the three-day training in Constanța, CFI will cover participants’ travel costs, accommodation, and provide a per diem in accordance with CFI procedures.
For the collaborative investigation phase, the journalists may receive a reporting grant of EUR 2,000 per journalist to support the production of their investigation. Technical and methodological support will also be provided during this phase.
Reporting grants will be awarded following the training and are not automatically guaranteed to all participants.
Expected profile and requirements
The call is open to journalists and freelance journalists from Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria, regardless of age. Applications from journalists from minority backgrounds are also encouraged.
Applicants should have at least two years of professional journalism experience, or be able to demonstrate strong reporting experience on issues related to disinformation.
Applicants should provide examples of previous journalistic work related to areas such as disinformation, fact-checking or media literacy.
Previous experience with OSINT, digital tools, technology or data analysis will be considered an asset, but is not mandatory.
Applicants must have a sufficient level of English to participate in the training and work with journalists from the other participating countries.
Selected participants must be available for the full three-day training in Constanța from 18 to 20 November 2026 and be willing to take part in the collaborative investigation phase following the training.
How to apply
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- CV (max 2 pages), including English level (mandatory)
- Motivation letter (max 1 page), explaining the applicant’s interest in investigating disinformation, what they expect from the programme, and their interest in working with journalists from other countries on a collaborative investigation.
- Proof of professional status: press card; or media affiliation letter; or freelancer registration; or equivalent
- Portfolio: applicants may also include 2 to 5 links to recent journalistic work
Applications must be submitted online via CFI’s platform: https://ac.cfi.fr/
Application deadline: October 17, 2026, 20:00 (France time).
For any questions related to this call, please contact Marie Nardoux, marie.nardoux@cfi.fr and David Stewart, david.stewart@cfi.fr
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 explains why the journalist wants to join the programme, what they expect from it, and how they plan to use the experience in their work. The applicant also shows a clear interest in taking part in the collaborative investigation phase. |
40 points |
| 2. Relevant professional background
The applicant has relevant journalism experience, particularly in areas such as disinformation, fact-checking, media literacy, investigative journalism, OSINT or related topics. |
40 points |
| 3. Operational english
The participant can work comfortably in English for meetings, coordination and joint production. |
20 points |
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.
By submitting an application, participants and candidates acknowledge and accept the terms of this privacy policy.
Final provisions
Participation in this programme 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.
