Civil society groups encouraged to apply for funding focusing on journalist safety and digital rights
The flag of the European Union flies on the mast. 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 by 19.00 on 21 April. The initiative is designed to support 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 with a focus on: Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom
Deadline for concept note: 21 April 2026, at 15.00 (Belgian time)
Reference: EuropeAid/186121/DD/ACT/PK
🔗 For details: pic.twitter.com/3mCNgniIuf
— EUPakistan (@EUPakistan) March 3, 2026
The programme’s specific aim is to support human rights initiatives linked to freedom of expression and freedom of the media. It is expected to fund projects that strengthen media professionalism, integrity, pluralism and the capacity of independent media, while improving the safety of journalists through steps such as legal aid and psychosocial support.
The call also places great emphasis on the digital information space. Proposed projects may address online and offline freedom of expression, support victims of cybercrime or false accusations, and work to counter hate speech, polarization and disinformation through awareness campaigns and media literacy efforts, including in remote areas.
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The guidelines also highlight concerns about AI-facilitated manipulation and say proposals can 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 particularly young population with a large presence in digital spaces. The guidelines also require projects to integrate gender considerations, saying women, girls and transgender communities may be disproportionately affected by cyberbullying and technology-facilitated violence.
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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 amounts to nearly €2 million and grants will range from €400,000 to €650,000, 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 26 March 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.
