South Eastern Europe / Germany
The German-South-Eastern European Journalists’ Bursary was founded in 2020. The bursary supports reporting on climate and energy issues, thus providing participants with a deep insight into topics related to climate protection.
A total of up to ten journalists from Germany, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia are given the opportunity to spend six to eight weeks in one of the host countries and devote themselves to reporting on climate and energy. During this time, they get to know the country better, establish contacts with local journalists and expand their network. As part of the project, the fellows are placed with local media companies where they are involved in daily work.
In addition, fellows have the opportunity to work on their own journalistic projects and report on climate and energy issues for media in their respective home countries.
Timeline
The fellowship begins with a thematic introductory conference. This is followed by a placement at different host media outlets. Fellows are involved in the work of the host media, but also work on their own journalistic projects and report for the media in their home country. During their six- to eight-week stay, they get to know their host country better, establish contacts with local colleagues and deepen their knowledge of climate and energy issues.
At a three-day final conference, the participants are asked to submit a three-page report on their experiences as well as their journalistic work produced during the stay.
Application
Journalists and bloggers from the above-mentioned countries, but also documentary filmmakers, are eligible to apply. Applicants from the journalistic field should regularly work as freelancers, trainees or editors in print, radio, online or TV. Language skills in a language of the host country are not required. A working knowledge of English is expected. Further details on the application process can be found in the current call for applications (pdf).
Scholarship
The scholarship holders receive a one-time payment of 3,800 euros. The amount is intended to cover part of the travel costs, food and accommodation. All additional costs must be borne by the participants themselves.
„If I were to describe briefly the experience lived due to the fellowship, I would say two words – pleasant and useful. Pleasant because I met a lot of interesting people, useful because it opened up another perspective on the word “green” for me. In Romania, eco journalism is not mainstream, I could say that it is more like a niche journalism. During the fellowship in Germany, other perspectives opened up for me and I gained a new understanding of the phenomenon and the importance of fighting against pollution of any kind. Green journalism is more than a must in our days. For me, this fellowship was a trigger that connected me to the real world and to the real needs of the planet.“
Tiberiu Stoichici, Fellow 2021
