Civil society groups invited to apply for funding focused on journalist safety, digital rights
Flags of the European Union flying on masts. PHOTO: FILE
The European Union has launched a new call for proposals to support projects aimed at promoting freedom of expression and media freedom in Pakistan, with concept notes due by 7pm on April 21. The initiative is designed to back civil society-led efforts working in an area the EU says remains under pressure despite some recent institutional progress.
‼️The EU has launched a call to support civil society projects in Pakistan, focusing on: Freedom of expression and Media freedom
Deadline for concept note: 21 April 2026, 15:00 (Brussels time)
Reference: EuropeAid/186121/DD/ACT/PK
🔗 For details:https://t.co/fvCG3kvpwk pic.twitter.com/3mCNgniIuf
— EUPakistan (@EUPakistan) March 3, 2026
The programme’s specific aim is to support human rights initiatives linked to free expression and media freedom. It is expected to fund projects that strengthen media professionalism, integrity, pluralism and the capacity of independent media, while also improving the safety of journalists through steps such as legal aid and psychosocial support.
The call also places strong emphasis on the digital information space. Proposed projects may address online and offline freedom of expression, support victims of cybercrimes or false accusations, and work to counter hate speech, polarisation and disinformation through awareness campaigns and media literacy efforts, including in remote areas.
Read: Wildlife crime, unsustainable harvesting threaten Pakistan’s biodiversity, WWF warns
The guidelines also highlight concerns over AI-facilitated manipulation and say proposals may examine both the risks of artificial intelligence and its potential to support information integrity and media work.
The EU says applicants are encouraged to build youth participation into their proposals, noting that Pakistan has a notably young population with a major presence in digital spaces. The guidelines also require projects to integrate gender considerations, saying women, girls and transgender communities can be disproportionately affected by cyber-harassment and technology-facilitated violence.
Read more: US cancels visa appointments across Pakistan amid protests and security fears
A human rights-based approach, including transparency, non-discrimination and inclusive participation, is also expected to run through the design of each action.
Funding under the scheme totals nearly 2 million euros, and grants will range from 400,000 to 650,000 euros, with projects running for between 36 and 48 months. Applications must be submitted online through the EU’s PROSPECT system, and an information session for applicants is scheduled for March 26 in Islamabad. Any proposal must include at least one co-applicant established in Pakistan, while non-profit universities in Pakistan may also participate as co-applicants.
