European Commission
EU regional and urban development

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 their region.


Youth4Regions - the programme for aspiring journalists

What do we offer?

  • Trainings on journalism and EU Cohesion Policy
  • The chance to receive mentorship from established journalists from your country
  • Working side by side with renowned journalists during the EU Regions’ Week
  • Visits of EU affairs media headquarters and EU institutions
  • The unique opportunity to take part as a journalist in European Commission press trips to Member States
  • Accommodation, food and travel expenses covered by the European Commission

What do we ask for?

  • Interest in what the EU and Cohesion Policy are doing in your region
  • Background in journalism (studies or up to 2 years of experience)
  • EU or neighbouring country citizen aged from 18 to 30 years old
  • Availability during 4 - 10 October 2024

The application period for the next edition of the Youth4Regions programme will start on 07 April 2025.


The Youth4Regions programme stands with Ukraine.
A message from Youth4Regions alumni:


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FAQ

Until when can I apply?

The application period runs from 8 April until 8 July, 17:00 CET.

Are there any age limitations or other criteria which will determine the eligibility of candidates?

The application criteria are: EU or neighbouring country citizenship, age 18 to 30 years and to demonstrate a real interest in journalism through studies and/or work experience. Applications from former participants are not accepted.

Besides EU Member States and the United Kingdom, which other countries are accepted in the programme?

European Neighbourhood Policy (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**), European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) and the UK.

I am studying journalism in a communications degree. Am I eligible?

Yes.

I am working part-time for a news outlet. Am I eligible?

Yes.

I am no longer working as a journalist, but I used to study journalism 3 years ago. Am I eligible?

No. Only applicants with up to 2 years since graduation (calculated until the moment of the closing of the application period) are eligible.

I have been working as a journalist for 3 years. Am I eligible?

No. Only journalists with up to 2 years of experience (calculated until the moment of the closing of the application period) are eligible.

What themes should I focus on in my article and video report?

You must send a short article (2500 – 6250 characters), a photo report (three pictures) or a short video report (2 – 3 minutes) covering a project co-financed by the European Union (except for Erasmus+ study abroad projects).

What costs associated with coming to Brussels in October will be covered by the European Commission?

The Commission covers travel, food and accommodation. Most meals are also provided during the programme in October.

If selected, how long will I be in Brussels for?

You must come to Brussels from 5 to 11 October.

* This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the Member States on this issue.

** This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

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