This competition aims to promote transnational collaboration among young journalism students and to encourage the creation of journalistic content that highlights key aspects of the European integration process in the Balkans. Participants will work in transnational teams, while members of the winning team will participate in a study visit to France to explore media institutions and network with journalism professionals.
For more informations visit competition rules or https://ac.cfi.fr/en/appels/balkanvoices2-competition/
Project Presentation
The competition is organized as part of the Balkan Voices 2 project, led by CFI and supported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. This initiative aims to promote freedom of expression and media literacy across the Western Balkans.
The competition encourages young journalism students from the region to produce impactful, cross-border stories that highlight cooperation and the path toward European integration. It seeks to foster collaboration between journalists while amplifying critical themes such as civic engagement, diversity, and democratic values.
Participants will have the chance to win an exciting prize, a trip to France, and to contribute to a shared vision of a connected and integrated Western Balkans.
Objectives
The journalistic competition has the following objectives:
- To encourage journalism students to develop a nuanced understanding of the European integration process as it pertains to the Balkan region, with a specific focus on the Berlin Process.
- To foster cross-border collaboration and the exchange of perspectives among young journalists from different Balkan countries.
- To produce high-quality, innovative journalistic content that explores the challenges, opportunities, and realities of European integration in the Balkans.
- To raise awareness among Balkan youth about the importance of European integration and the role of journalism in promoting informed public discourse on this subject.
Competition procedure
The competition consists of two main stages: an individual selection phase and a collaborative team phase. Participants first apply individually and are selected based on their motivation, journalistic skills, teamwork experience, and knowledge of European integration topics. Once selected, they join transnational teams to produce collaborative journalistic content.
Participants will be organized into transnational teams of six, with one representative from each Balkan country. Teams will collaborate to produce journalistic content on the theme “Coverage of European Topics and the Berlin Process.”
Accepted formats include written articles, podcasts/audio productions and video reports. Productions must reflect transnational perspectives and be submitted between mid-March and mid-April 2025.
Awards
Members of the top-performing team will participate in a study visit to France to explore media institutions and network with journalism professionals. All expenses will be fully covered, including both international (flight) and local transportation, accommodation, and meals (based on the per diem rate).
Who is this call for applications aimed at?
This competition is open to journalism students who meet the following criteria:
- Hold nationality from one of the six Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia).
- Are enrolled in a journalism program in one of the participating countries.
- Are under the age of 30 at the time of application.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English at a C1 level or higher.
Selection Procedure
The selection process will be conducted by a jury of experts, who will evaluate applications based on a predefined scoring rubric. A total of 30 participants will be selected.
Applicants are advised to refer to the official competition rules and regulations for detailed information about the criteria and process.
Key Dates
- 13 January 2025: Call for individual applications opens.
- 17 February 2025: Deadline for submission of applications.
- 3 March 2025: Announcement of selected participants.
- 15 March 2025: Virtual Training Session and composition of the teams.
- Mid-April 2025: Submission Deadline for Final Projects.
- May 2025: Announcement of the winning team
- May-June : study visit to France (one week)
Documents to be Submitted
- Motivation Letter or Video: a written letter (maximum two pages) or a video (maximum two minutes) explaining why they want to participate, their interest in European topics, and what they hope to contribute to the team.
- An updated CV outlining their academic and professional background in journalism.
- A Portfolio of work: at least one example of previous journalistic work, such as articles, podcasts, or videos.
- Proof of English Proficiency (optional): a certificate or evidence of their English language skills, if available.
Evaluation Grid
Criteria
1) Motivation – 30 points: applicants must demonstrate their genuine interest in the competition through a letter or video. This should highlight their understanding of the competition’s theme, their enthusiasm for cross-border collaboration, and their commitment to journalistic excellence.
2) Journalistic skills – 30 points: submissions will be assessed based on the quality of previous work, including writing, research, and multimedia production skills. Candidates are expected to provide compelling examples that reflect their abilities.
3) Teamwork Experience – 20 points: candidates should illustrate prior experience in collaborative projects, particularly in multicultural or international settings. Their capacity to work effectively in a team will be considered a significant asset.
4) Understanding or interest – 20 points: a demonstrated understanding or interest in European integration, the Berlin Process, or relevant challenges in the Balkans will enhance the candidate’s application
Total: 100 points