EU launches new grants to support media freedom in Pakistan

The European Union has launched a new call for proposals to support projects to promote freedom of expression and media freedom in Pakistan, with concept notes due on April 21 at 7 p.m. The initiative is designed to support civil society-led efforts in an area that the EU says remains under pressure despite some recent institutional progress.

The specific objective of the program is to support human rights initiatives related to freedom of expression and media freedom. It should fund projects that strengthen the professionalism, integrity, pluralism and capacity of independent media, while improving the safety of journalists through measures such as legal aid and psychosocial support.

The call also places a strong emphasis on the digital information space. Proposed projects can address freedom of expression online and offline, support victims of cybercrime or false accusations, and combat 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 could examine both the risks of artificial intelligence and its potential to support the integrity of information and media work.

The EU says applicants are encouraged to integrate youth participation into their proposals, noting that Pakistan has a particularly young population with a significant presence in digital spaces. The guidelines also require projects to incorporate gender considerations, asserting that women, girls and transgender communities may be disproportionately affected by cyber-harassment and technology-facilitated violence.

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A human rights-based approach, including transparency, non-discrimination and inclusive participation, should also guide the design of each action.

The funding for this program amounts to nearly 2 million euros and the grants will range from 400,000 to 650,000 euros, for projects lasting between 36 and 48 months. Applications must be submitted online via the EU PROSPECT system, and an information session for applicants is planned for March 26 in Islamabad. Any proposal must include at least one co-applicant based in Pakistan, while non-profit universities in Pakistan can also participate as co-applicants.