The European Parliament Liaison Office in Greece, Symbiosis-Council of Europe School of Political Studies in Greece, and Inside Story, are inviting applications for the European Parliament Training Programme for Young European Journalists for the period 2024-2025. The programme aims to raise awareness and develop the skills of young journalists working for media based in one of the 18 participating EU countries, focusing on European affairs in general and issues related to the European Parliament in particular.
Combining a comparative approach to Greek and European journalistic and news culture with practical coverage of current European issues, the training in Greece will provide journalists with tools to increase their awareness of the interconnected and multidimensional problems facing the European Union and Greece, while exploring new opportunities and challenges in journalistic practices and coverage. The programme will also address issues related to the institutions and policies of the European Union, the role and responsibilities of the European Parliament, its relations with national parliaments and governments, and the involvement and importance of lobby groups in Brussels.
Journalists from all types of media (print, TV, radio, internet) are welcome to apply, as well as other media professionals such as content creators, media managers, and data specialists.
The programme consists of a three-day training in Athens on 18-20 November 2024 and, in a subsequent phase for 5 selected participants, a two-day training programme in spring 2025 at the European Parliament in Brussels, together with participants from the other 17 countries. In addition, selected journalists will have the opportunity to be invited to a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, attend and discuss the editorial process with the Inside Story team, and participate in the World Forum for Democracy 2025 taking place at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg.
In order to learn how to collect the most interesting information and formulate it in a way that will reach the widest possible audience, participants will acquire the following skills:
- Understand the process by which EU policies are formulated in the institutions
- Gain knowledge and tools to cover EU issues, even if they are not in Brussels or Strasbourg
- Become familiar with the democratic role of the European Parliament
- Learn how to recognise and combat misinformation and fake news across the European Union
- Learn to research and analyse issues from a European, not exclusively Greek, perspective
- Learn to see the European in the local and the local in the European context
- Create a network of partners in Brussels/Strasbourg
Eligibility criteria
Participants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
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- Have less than three years of work experience since the completion of their studies
- Be currently employed in mass media in Greece and have the full support of their employer for their participation in the programme, or be self-employed (in this case, they should provide evidence of relevant publications in Greece)
- Have Greek citizenship or a residence permit in Greece
- Have a strong interest in European issues
- Have very good oral and written knowledge of the English language
- Hold a university or college degree or an apprenticeship at a recognised technical school in a field related to journalism and communication
Candidates from outside Athens are encouraged to apply.
Selection of participants
The selection will be based on:
- A letter of motivation (one page)
- A curriculum vitae (up to two pages)
- A short original report/opinion piece (400-1000 words) or short video (1-3 minutes) on the European Union
The selection process will be based on the quality of the application, in relation to the motivation to apply, the expectations from the programme, and the applicability of the knowledge gained in their future work. The programme criteria are based on the fundamental principle of the Union’s non-discrimination: the EU does not discriminate or prejudge on the basis of sex, age, religion, belief, disability, racial or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, etc. Account will be taken of geographical distribution and equal representation on the basis of gender, as well as the relevance and reach of the medium(s)/agency(ies) for which the journalists work, or the reach of the information published/broadcast by them.
Applicants should demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for Europe and journalism. It must also be clear that candidates share fundamental European values—such as a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination, racism, and anti-Semitism.
If necessary, a personal interview will follow online for those shortlisted.
Cost
Travel and accommodation costs for the duration of the training for selected participants outside Athens will be covered in accordance with EC regulations, as well as for those who receive further training in Brussels after the completion of the programme in Athens.
Certificates
Certificates of attendance will be issued to all participants who attend the full three-day training in Athens and submit the final training assignment.
The deadline for applications is 6 October 2024 at 23:00.