The EU-funded Innovation. Media. Minds.: Support to Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans Programme is pleased to announce the first open call for production grants for independent media and media organisations in the Western Balkans.

The primary aim of these grants is to support independent media outlets/media organisations in the Western Balkans region promoting pluralism of expression, strengthening their cooperation with the Western Balkan Public Service Media (PSM) and improving audience-relevant reporting. Prioritised in close cooperation with Western Balkan PSM, topics of regional public interest may include (but are not limited to): cultural exchange and dialogue, education, rule of law, good governance, human, economic, and social rights (including vulnerable groups), gender, investigating environmental issues, Western Balkans’ progress on the EU integration path, etc.

Eligibility criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:

- Operate as an independent media outlet/media organisation* with legal entity established in one of the following IPA beneficiaries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia.
- Status of legal entity: independent private sector media companies or non-for-profit media organisations. State-controlled media are not eligible.
- Transparent ownership structure with no involvement of state or state-affiliated entities (e.g., state-owned/controlled economic operators), nor senior political actors or their close relatives.
- Proven commitment to professional and ethical standards of journalism (e.g. through membership to press councils, adherence or compliance with other recognised mechanisms, and platforms, established to promote professional and ethical standards in journalism).
- Independent media outlet/media organisation registered for at least 3 years.
- Have a signed official document (contract/agreement/statement/letter of intent) with at least one of the Western Balkan PSM that signed a memorandum of understanding** to broadcast the media content developed and created within this grant scheme. The produced media content must be broadcasted for at least one month and posted on different Western Balkan PSM’s and beneficiary’s media platforms (TV, social media, websites, YouTube, etc.).

Grant details: A total budget of EUR 90,000 is available for independent media through this call. Three (3) grants will be awarded, each up to a maximum EUR 30,000.

Applicants can submit project proposals with a maximum duration of twelve (12) months.

Application deadline: This call is open until 13 November, 2024, 23:59 CET. Applicants must submit their project ideas via Goethe Application Portal (GAP). If you experience any technical difficulties during the submission process, please contact IMM Programme team.

Contact person: Dajana Celebic, [email protected]

About the Programme: Funded by the European Union, the Innovation. Media. Minds. (IMM): Support to the Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans Programme, is managed by the Goethe-Institut on behalf of the European Commission and in collaboration with its implementing partner DW Akademie.

The Programme focuses on public service broadcasters by aiming to enhance content and engage audiences. Implemented from 2023 to 2026, Programme’s estimated results include improved management skills, internal structures, workflows of PSMs, along with producing enhanced programming and content that serve public interest. Media professionals are expected to improve their skills and innovation techniques, while special focus is given to young journalists, multipliers and trainers, quality journalism and audience involvement. The Programme also aims to enhance engagement, expand cooperation and networking capacity of public service media (PSM).

More information: For more details about this call, please refer to the Q&A section and supporting documents below.

Supporting documents: 

GAP and Budget guidelines for applicants(PDF, 2 MB)

Questions and Answers FSI(PDF, 370 KB)

Application guidelines and criteria_Production grants for independent media(PDF, 609 KB)

Due to technical restrictions, PDF version of the Self-declaration is uploaded. The Word version of the Self-declaration is available at GAP (Supporting documentation section) and within the Questions and answers (Q&A) section. If you have difficulties in finding the Word version, please contact IMM Programme team.

Self-declaration for legal persons_Goethe-Institut(PDF, 302 KB)

Communication & visibility guidelines_IMM Programme(PDF, 756 KB)

* Media associations / organisations / foundations and / or formally established media networks which produce media content.

** The following Western Balkan PSMs signed the MoU with Goethe-Institut and DW Akademie: Macedonian Radio Television, Radio and Television of Kosovo*, Radio Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Radio Television of Montenegro, Radio Television of Serbia, Radio Television of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Radio Television of Vojvodina, Radio Television Shqiptar.

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999.

For more information click here.