Call for applications: The Armenian MERIT Forum

Whilst Armenia finds itself in a period marked by uncertainty and transition, the Armenian media landscape faces multiple challenges including increasing fragmentation, hindered media viability and, not least, information pollution caused by mis- and disinformation including Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI).

FIMI tends to increase during high-stakes political events such as elections and is known to target and erode trust in democratic institutions.  As Armenia is approaching the 2026 parliamentary election, the fragmented media environment remains a key concern, as the Armenian population will vote and decide on the country’s path moving forward which is expected to either consolidate Armenia’s European or Russian orientation. In this context, ensuring an enabling legal environment that upholds freedom of expression, access to information, and the independence of media and civil society is essential. This includes establishing robust legal frameworks to hinder disinformation effectively without undermining fundamental rights, especially in the lead-up to pivotal election.

The Armenian MERIT Forum will offer a platform for media experts from Armenia to enhance their knowledge of respectively Armenian and EU legislation with a specific focus on measures and opportunities to promote an enabling environment for media and safeguard democracy and human rights. This includes expert exchange trips to Denmark and Belgium where participants have discussions with key media professionals, regulatory agencies, policy makers, research and academia institutions.

The Armenian MERIT Forum is a component in International Media Support’s Eastern Partnership programme REACH: Media partnerships for accountability and trust. REACH aims to contribute to a more democratic, inclusive, and resilient information environment. Through the MERIT Forum IMS will look to facilitate capacity sharing and professional exchange on media laws, policies and practices with EU legislation in line with international standards and with a strong focus on a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Participants can expect:

— Access to an expert network consisting of Armenian, Ukrainian, Danish and EU stakeholders.

— Enhanced knowledge of how Armenia can draw on EU legislation to safeguard human rights and democracy from, for example, the EU’s Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) Directive, the Copyright Directive, the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), and the Digital Services Act (DSA).

— Development and implementation of the transformative projects crucial for the Armenian media environment.

— Introduction to tools enabling practical regulation including mechanisms to effectively defend the information space focusing on FIMI threats.

— Participation in two exchange trips to the EU.

The Forum will include:

— Kick-off meeting in Armenia in October 18-19, 2025.

— Exchange trip to Denmark from November 9-15, 2025.

— Exchange trip to Belgium or a similar EU country in April-June (TBD) 2026.

— Final meeting in Armenia in October 2026.

— MERIT Forum team meetings (offline and online) during the whole project period of 12 months.

*Exact dates to be determined.

Target group(s)

The focus will be on ensuring equal representation from all stakeholders who have applied from Armenia. The target groups include:

—Media professionals including journalists.

—Media lawyers.

—Academia.

—Government representatives.

Criteria

—A professional background and expertise within the media sector.

—A minimum of 7+ years of professional experience.

—Strong leadership skills and motivation to improve the media environment.

—The delegating organisation should support the employee’s participation in the programme activities, which will approximately last 150 working hours per year, including travel.

—The participant should be ready to develop and implement a change project within the thematic scope.

—Proficiency in English at a B2 level or higher.

Costs

The organisers will cover the costs of the programme fee, curriculum, meals, accommodation and travel expenses.

Application deadline

Apply by sending your resume and application in English to meritforum@mediasupport.org no later than 12:00 PM CET September 15, 2025. In case of necessity, an applicant may be invited for an interview. Only selected participants will be informed.