EU launches new grants to support press freedom in Pakistan

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 due by 7:00 pm on 21 April. The initiative is designed to support civil society-led efforts working 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 linked to free expression and freedom of the press. It is expected to 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 special emphasis on the digital information space. The proposed projects can address freedom of expression online and offline, support victims of cybercrime or false accusations, and work to counter hate speech, polarization and misinformation through awareness campaigns and media literacy efforts, including in remote areas.

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The guidelines also highlight concerns about manipulation facilitated by AI and say the proposals can 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 incorporate youth participation in their proposals, noting that Pakistan has a notably young population with a significant presence in digital spaces. The guidelines also require projects to integrate gender considerations, saying that women, girls and transgender communities may be disproportionately affected by cyberbullying and technology-facilitated violence.

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It is also expected that a human rights-based approach, including transparency, non-discrimination and inclusive participation, will be included in the design of each action.

The financing of the plan amounts to almost 2 million euros, and the subsidies will range between 400,000 and 650,000 euros, and the projects will last between 36 and 48 months. Applications must be submitted online through the EU PROSPECT system and an information session for applicants is planned on March 26 in Islamabad. Any proposal must include at least one co-applicant based in Pakistan, while non-profit universities in Pakistan may also participate as co-applicants.