Calling Ukrainian media experts – applications open for MERIT FORUM 2026
The MERIT is an opportunity for media experts from Ukraine to learn more about Ukrainian and EU media legislation.
In Ukraine, the media landscape has developed dramatically since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Whilst media outlets and organisations have faced multiple challenges hindering their operationality including ongoing disinformation campaigns, media capture, and compromised media viability, the legislative framework and policies ensuring an enabling environment for media is significantly progressing.
This development is influenced by Ukraine’s EU candidate status, which has prompted media reforms such as Ukraine’s law “On Media”, promoting democracy and safeguarding human rights, including freedom of expression and access to information.
The MERIT is an opportunity for media experts from Ukraine to enhance their knowledge of Ukrainian and EU legislation, with a specific focus on measures and opportunities to promote an enabling environment for media and safeguard democracy and human rights.
The programme seeks to encourage media professionals to bring forward innovative approaches and solutions, so that the next generation of leaders is equipped to address these critical issues. This includes exchange trips to Belgium and Denmark where participants have expert discussions with key media professionals, regulatory agencies, policy makers, research and academia institutions.
Participants can expect
- Access to an expert network consisting of Ukrainian, Danish and EU stakeholders and Eastern Partnership Countries, particularly Merit Forum Armenia
- Enhanced knowledge of how Ukraine can draw on EU legislation to safeguard human rights and democracy including from 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 initiatives crucial for the Ukrainian 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 Ukraine in January 2026
- Exchange trip to Belgium or other EU country in April 2026
- Exchange trip to Denmark in October/November 2026
- Final meeting in Ukraine in January 2027
- MERIT Team Meetings (offline and online) during the whole project period of 12 months.
Exact dates to be announced later.
Target group(s)
The focus will be on ensuring equal representation from all stakeholders who have applied. The target groups include:
- Media professionals, including journalists
- Media lawyers
- Academics
- Government representatives
Criteria
- A professional background and expertise within the media sector
- A minimum of 7+ 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 approximate 150 hours per year, including travel
- Proficiency in English at B2 level or higher
Costs
- The organisers will cover the costs of the program fee, curriculum, meals, accommodation, health insurance and international travels
Application deadline
Apply by submitting your resume and a motivation letter in English to meritforum@mediasupport.org no later than by 23:59 CET 08 December 2025.
Please include no more than two references in your motivation letter. Applicants may be invited for an interview. Only selected participants will be informed.
Background
The MERIT Forum is a component in IMS’s (International Media Support) Eastern Partnership programme REACH: Media partnerships for accountability and trust (hereafter REACH), which is funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. REACH aims to contribute to a more democratic, inclusive, and resilient information environment. Through the MERIT Forum IMS will 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).
Merit Forum 2025 activities
You can find some information about Merit Forum 2025 activities here:
