The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup,” in collaboration with the Eastern Europe Studies Centre in Vilnius, is pleased to announce the selection of journalists for a specialized program supporting quality journalism in Moldova. The activities are part of the project titled “Building Strategic Communication to Counter Russian Disinformation in Moldova.”

Small grants for investigative journalist

The Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup,” in collaboration with the Eastern Europe Studies Centre in Vilnius, is pleased to announce the selection of 5 Moldovan journalists to produce two in-depth investigative pieces (2,500-3,000 words each) related to disinformation in Moldova concerning European integration. The investigations can be composed in either Romanian and/or Russian languages. The top five investigations will be translated into English and Lithuanian to inform audiences in Lithuania and across Europe. Each selected journalist will receive a scholarship of 1500 euros (brutto) to support the production of the two investigations.

In addition, the project will offer: 

(1) Study visits

The investigative works produced by the participating journalists will be reviewed by the project organizers. Based on the evaluations, two journalists will be selected to attend a 2-day study trip in Vilnius. All expenses related to the trip, including accommodation, will be fully covered by the organizers.

(2) Online trainings on how to detect and counter disinformation

Selected journalists who took part in the first two stages will participate along with other 5 journalists in two online sessions focusing on the following key areas:

a) Strategic communication (covering fundamental institutional design, communication routes, and methods based on policy papers);

b) Hybrid warfare (essential concepts);

c) Tools for preventing disinformation in the context of EU integration.

Selection Criteria:

To be considered for selection, applicants must provide the following documents:

• A 2-page CV written in English.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in Moldovan mass media, with an advantage given to those with experience in investigating disinformation.
• Two samples of work related to Moldova’s European integration or foreign affairs, in print, video, or audio format, in either Romanian and/or Russian.
• A one-page Motivation Letter written in Romanian and/or Russian, with an English translation attached.

The submitted application will be evaluated by a Selection Committee comprising media experts from Moldova and Lithuania.

Submission guidelines:

The applicant is required to submit the documents to the following email addresses: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The subject of the email should be "Journalists against disinformation."

Application Deadline: November 11th, 18:00 CET

Project Details:

These activities are part of the project titled “Building Strategic Communication to Counter Russian Disinformation in Moldova.” The project runs from September 2023 to December 2024 and is implemented by “Expert-Grup” in partnership with the Eastern Europe Studies Centre in Vilnius, with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania.

We encourage passionate and experienced journalists to apply for this unique opportunity to enhance your skills in countering disinformation and contributing to the integrity of journalism in Moldova in the process of European integration!