IJ4EU returns with €1.6 million to support cross-border investigations

Over the 2026–27 cycle, IJ4EU will distribute €1.6 million in grants to international investigative teams, alongside a package of practical support including mentoring, training, legal and security assistance, and access to secure collaboration tools. The first call for applications opens on 12 February 2026.

Supporting investigative journalism as a public good

Now entering its sixth year, IJ4EU continues its mission to support investigative journalism as a public good, particularly resource-intensive reporting that is difficult to sustain within existing media markets.

Grants are awarded through an independent, arm’s-length structure designed to safeguard full editorial independence from public and philanthropic funders.

A dedicated scheme for freelance journalists

Funding is distributed through two complementary schemes. The Freelancer Support Scheme, managed by the European Journalism Centre, is tailored specifically to journalists working primarily outside traditional newsroom structures.

The scheme offers grants of up to €20,000, combined with tailored mentoring and practical support throughout the reporting process. A total of €400,000 will be allocated through this track over the two-year cycle.

“Without bureaucratic red tape, IJ4EU has carved out a reputation as a rare safe haven, a ‘journalist-first’ model that trusts grantees,” said Lars Boering, director of the European Journalism Centre. “We would like to make that even more precise and name our part of the programme a freelance journalist-first model.”

Alongside freelancer support, IJ4EU’s flagship Investigation Support Scheme will award larger grants to cross-border teams, including newsroom collaborations and investigative non-profits. Both schemes will open two calls during the 2026–27 period.

Independent by design, proven in practice

Founded in 2018, IJ4EU is implemented by a consortium led by the International Press Institute, the European Journalism Centre and the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, with technical support from Arena for Journalism in Europe. Projects are selected by independent juries through transparent and impartial processes.

Since its launch, IJ4EU has supported hundreds of journalists across Europe, enabling investigations that have reached millions of readers, exposed systemic wrongdoing and informed public debate.

Hero image by Eric De Mildt, IJ4EU 2024-2025 grantee.