Journalist, researchers and writers from across European Union and Western
Balkans countries are invited to apply for Resonant Voice Fellowship
programme.
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The rise of far-right movements fueled by anti-immigrant sentiment continues to take hold of Europe. Just outside of the EU, in the Western Balkans, the path to EU membership still carries hope to transform intractable conflicts, but people are growing increasingly skeptical.

What is the future of the European Union and the European identity? What do the proponents of both closed and open societies and borders within the EU want? What role do propaganda and disinformation campaigns play in radicalisation and polarisation of our societies and who is the most susceptible?

What are social factors that might make someone radical and what makes people turn to violence? Is there a standard pattern of the radicalisation process and a model of individual extremist? What are the most common ways in which people become exposed to extremist ideologies? What are the root causes of extremism and terrorism? Are they in the EU or outside of the EU? What is the role of propaganda and disinformation? Is the current model of integration suitable? What challenges are we facing from increased migration?

The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, Commission for International Justice and Accountability and the Foundation Propulsion Fund are inviting journalists, researchers and writers from across Europe to apply for the Resonant Voices Fellowship programme.

Fellowships consisting of 3,000-euro bursaries and mentoring are offered to cover topics at the intersection of identity, migration, democracy, human rights, radicalisation and violent extremism. We are welcoming proposals that could explore the following themes:

• Challenges of integration of the Western Balkans communities within the European Union
• Far right networks operating in Europe with links to the Western Balkans
• Religious radicalisation in Europe with links to the Western Balkans and Turkey
• Radicalising transitional justice narratives among the Western Balkans communities living in the EU
• Nexus between Balkan linked networks of organised crime and terrorism within EU borders
• Ghettoization and exclusion of immigrants in Europe
• Political violence within the EU and its online engine
• Role of media in countering disinformation and propaganda in connection with migration, integration and multiculturalism.
• Links between political discourse and disinformation in the context of migration, security and terrorism.

Ten journalists, researchers, and writers will be chosen through open competition to receive funding and professional support to conduct in-depth research and investigation into a topic of EU and regional significance.

An independent jury committee, consisting of international media professionals, civil society representatives and security experts, will select from the applicants.

Chosen applicants will receive 3,000-euro bursaries and attend three-day workshop this spring. The workshop will gather selected participants with the aim to increase their knowledge by providing training in the areas of disinformation and fact-checking, strategic communication to counter online radicalisation, social media, data journalism and impact measurement.

Successful applicants will be mentored by BIRN editors in order to benefit from their practical experience, as well as through on-the-job learning.

The stories produced will be published on BIRN’s flagship website Balkan Insight, and by prominent European, regional and international media outlets.

The call for the Resonant Voices Fellowship will last until January 17, 2019.

This fellowship programme is part of the EU-funded project titled “Resonant Voices Initiative in the EU”. The Project is implemented by the Stichting Commission for International Justice and Accountability, the Foundation Propulsion Fund and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Regional Network, BIRN Hub.

Fellowship Structure

The Resonant Voices Fellowship includes the following elements:

• Fellowship bursary of 3,000 euros per selected fellow or team;
• A three-day workshop in Austria or Germany, with European and regional trainers in March 2019;
• Ongoing, on-the-job mentoring and support from BIRN’s editor and visual communications mentor;
• Publication of in-depth investigation on BIRN’s flagship website Balkan Insight and in other prominent media outlets.

Eligibility Criteria

• Individuals or teams with residence in the EU, Western Balkans or Turkey.
• Applicants should be proficient in English (speaking, reading and comprehension).

How to Apply

To apply, send the completed application form, resume (CV) and signed declaration of the applicant to aleksandar.jovancic@birn.eu.com with the subject “Resonant Voices Fellowship” by January 17, 2019, 23:59.

All further information regarding the application process can be found in our:

Find out more about the Resonant Voices Initiative in the EU project.