“Youth Facing Disinformation - Why Journalists Matter” is a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the Monegasque Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, organised in the framework of the Council of Europe’s Journalists Matter - Campaign for the Safety of Journalists (2023–2027).

Building on the Campaign’s efforts to strengthen the safety of journalists and promote an enabling environment for independent and quality journalism, the initiative places young people at the centre of the conversation on disinformation, media trust and democratic resilience. It seeks to raise awareness of why journalists matter, particularly in an information environment increasingly shaped by social media, algorithms and artificial intelligence, and to empower young people to become active advocates for reliable information and press freedom.

At its heart is an international youth event in Strasbourg on 9-10 November 2026, bringing together young people, journalists, experts and institutional representatives for dialogue, exchanges and interactive workshops.

The event will also contribute to a Youth Pledge, reflecting young people's perspectives and commitments to strengthening journalism and democracy.

The initiative was preceded by two open calls, both now closed: a Call for Participation, through which young people from Council of Europe member States were selected to attend the Strasbourg event, and a Call for Proposals, resulting in four youth-led projects selected for Council of Europe grants and mentoring support. These projects will help extend the initiative's impact beyond the event.

Want to be part of the conversation? Join the Strasbourg event and exchange with young peers, journalists and experts from across Europe. Take part in interactive discussions and workshops, share your perspectives and ideas, and connect around how to tackle disinformation and support quality journalism

Call for participation was open from 6 July to 1 September 2026

You are invited to read the following privacy notice, which explains how your personal data are processed: https://go.coe.int/kTtm3

Want to be part of the conversation? Join the Strasbourg event and exchange with young peers, journalists and experts from across Europe.

Young people from 46 member States. One generation shaping the future of trustworthy information.

Over two days, participants will explore how disinformation shapes today's information environment, why journalism matters for democracy, and how young people can contribute to strengthening information integrity and democratic resilience.

What to expect?

9 November: High-Level Conference

At the Palais de l'Europe, participants will engage with journalists, digital creators, policymakers, researchers and media experts on topics including:

• disinformation and information manipulation;
• journalism in the digital age;
• media literacy and AI;
• safety of journalists and democratic resilience.

10 November:  Interactive Workshops

At the European Youth Centre Strasbourg, participants will work in small groups through simulations, practical exercises and discussions to:

• investigate and verify information;
• understand how journalists work under pressure;
• strengthen critical thinking and media literacy;
• develop recommendations for future action.

Who can apply?

Young people aged 18-30 residing in a Council of Europe member State with an interest or experience in areas such as:

• journalism and media;
• digital content creation;
• media and information literacy;
• education and youth work;
• human rights and democratic participation;
• fact-checking, AI or information integrity.

We particularly encourage applications from journalists, journalism students, creators, youth leaders, educators, researchers and representatives of youth organisations and civil society.

Practical information

The Council of Europe will cover travel, accommodation and meals for selected participants.

Working languages: English and French (with interpretation during plenary sessions).

Application deadline: 1 September 2026

Selected participants will be informed by: 17 September 2026

Why apply?

• Meet leading journalists, creators and policymakers.
• Develop practical skills in media literacy and information verification.
• Exchange ideas with peers from across Europe.
• Help shape youth perspectives on journalism, democracy and trustworthy information.

Apply now and become part of a new generation defending freedom of expression and trustworthy information across Europe.

(Applications closed on 1 July 2026)

Apply with a fully developed project and bring it to life. Up to four grants of €5,000 will be awarded, and selected projects will be showcased at the Strasbourg event, offering visibility, exchange and connection with peers and experts.

Who can apply?

Applications may be submitted by individuals*, legally established entities (such as NGOs, media organisations or educational institutions), or consortia of individuals and/or entities based in a Council of Europe member State.

Applicants should note that managing a grant involves administrative, financial and reporting responsibilities. Applications submitted by legal entities, or by groups including a legal entity, are therefore strongly encouraged.

Projects selected for funding will automatically be invited to participate in the 9-10 November event and will not need to apply separately in order to attend. However, as the results of the grant selection process are expected to be communicated around mid-September, applying through the Call for Participation provides an additional opportunity to attend the event should a project not be selected for funding.

*Individual applicants may apply independently but must ensure they have the capacity to manage the grant and comply with all related obligations.

See the relevant documents below:

 Call for Proposals (PDF)

 Application Form (APPENDIX I)

 Budget Template (APPENDIX II)

 Grant Agreement (APPENDIX III)

 Questions and answers