Youth4Regions – The Programme for Aspiring Journalists
Youth4Regions is the European Commission programme helping journalism students and young journalists to discover what the EU is doing in regions.
The Youth4Regions journalism competition invites young aspiring journalists to submit original works on projects co-funded by cohesion policy funds and the European Solidarity Fund (EUSF) in the form of articles, photos and video or audio reports.
What do we offer to selected participants?
- Being invited to cover the EU Regions’ Week in Brussels, working side by side with renowned journalists, with accommodation, food and travel expenses covered by the European Commission
- Training sessions on journalism and EU Cohesion Policy
- Mentorship and networking with established journalists
- Study visits to EU affairs media headquarters and EU institutions
- The opportunity to be shortlisted for the Megalizzi-Niedzielski Prize
- The chance to become a Cohesion Correspondent 2027 covering EU policy on the ground during an all-expenses-paid two-week reporting mission
Who can participate?
Citizens of any EU Member State or EU neighbouring country , with an interest in what the EU and Cohesion Policy are doing in your region, aged 18 to 30 years old at the time of the programme (10-16 October 2026), demonstrating a real interest in a journalistic career through studies and/or work/ volunteering experience, with a maximum of 3 years full-time work experience after graduating.
Testimonials
FAQs
Until when can I apply?
The application period runs from 7 April until 7 July, 23:59 CET.
I am 17 at the time of applying but will be 18 by the time of the programme. Can I apply?
Yes, every person between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the Youth4Regions programme (10-16 October 2026) who meets all further eligibility criteria is welcome to apply.
I am 30 at the time of applying but will be 31 by the time of the programme. Can I apply?
No, only persons between 18 and 30 years old at the time of the Youth4Regions programme (10-16 October 2026) who meet all further eligibility criteria can apply.
What nationalities can apply?
Citizens of EU Member States or EU neighbouring countries, who fulfil all further eligibility criteria, are welcome to apply. These countries encompass: ENP countries (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine*, Syria and Tunisia, as well as Armenia and Azerbaijan), EU candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine) and potential candidates (Kosovo*), EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) and the UK.
Which study programmes are accepted to “demonstrates a real interest in a journalistic career through studies (…)”?
There are no degrees formally excluded from the competition, as the applicants should demonstrate their interest in pursuing a journalistic career (even when studying different disciplines) and/ or journalistic engagements, either on a voluntary or professional basis. Applicants are invited to state their connection to journalism in the relevant fields of the application form.
I am working part-time for a news outlet. Am I eligible?
Yes.
What counts as an EU-funded project as subject for the submission?
Any projects funded by Cohesion Policy (ERDF, ESF+, Cohesion Fund, JTF, Interreg) or the European Solidarity Fund, no matter if still on-going or concluded, are admissible subjects for the submissions. The EU funding should be visibly stated on the linked project website included in the application form.
What costs associated with coming to Brussels in October will be covered by the European Commission?
The Commission covers travel and accommodation. Most meals are also provided during the programme in October.
If selected, how long will I be in Brussels for?
You should be available to come to Brussels from 10 to 16 October 2026. Should the selected applicant not be available on all days identified, the Commission reserves the right to give the place to the next best applicant.
What does it mean to win the Megalizzi-Niedzielski Prize?
The Megalizzi-Niedzielski Prize is an award honouring the legacy of Antonio Megalizzi and Bartek Orent-Niedzielski. It also includes the appointment of “Cohesion Correspondent” in the following year, which sends the winners on a two-week field mission to report from across EU Member states and to discover local projects, meet people and immerse in regional culture.