We are announcing a new project — Supporting Local Media for Transparent Reconstruction Reporting — implemented by IRMI with support from the EU4Reconstruction programme and the participation of the French national agency Expertise France.
The aim of this pilot project is to ensure that local media cover Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction with quality and transparency. The country faces enormous challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure, and with them the persistent risks of corruption and misuse of funds. Making these processes visible through quality, on-the-ground reporting — helping citizens understand how and where resources are being spent — is first and foremost a task for the media, and for local media in particular. Research shows that in 23 communities, levels of trust in local outlets are significantly higher than trust in national media or in the authorities. Regional journalism is therefore becoming the key channel for informing the public about reconstruction.
The foundation for this new project is the social cohesion work IRMI carried out in 2025 in partnership with UNESCO and Fondation Hirondelle. That experience demonstrated that local media can facilitate dialogue on sensitive issues effectively, provided they receive the right training, mentoring, and financial support.
With that in mind, what are we planning? To raise the professional skills of journalists and editors on the subjects of reconstruction, accountability, and ethics. To build analytical capabilities that will remain relevant long after the project concludes. To provide financial support, enabling newsrooms to concentrate on their professional work.
What do we offer? In the first month: a three-day intensive training on the themes of reconstruction and recovery. Thereafter: monthly stipends of €500 for the production of quality content. Online mentoring and support from Ukrainian and international specialists. The project is integrated into the EU4Reconstruction programme, giving journalists access to specialist experts in the field. Co-production stipends of €1,000 are also available for editorial teams working on collaborative content.
The project is open to media outlets that have undergone training under the Improving Media Resilience in Ukraine Project and are located primarily in frontline regions of Ukraine. Priority will be given to IRMI grant recipients from 2025. Seven media organisations will be selected through a competitive application process.
To apply, please complete the application form at: https://forms.gle/ocH3HgXf3Hk3YGmS9
Application deadline: 20 February 2026.
All selected participants will receive individual notification with the date and venue of the training in due course.
The Supporting Local Media for Transparent Reconstruction Reporting project is implemented by IRMI, Institute for Regional Media and Information (Ukraine), with support from the EU4Reconstruction programme and the participation of the French national agency Expertise France.
