NGO / civil society
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
The ECPMF’s Journalists-in-Exile Programme supports individual journalists living in exile in Germany. It pays for counselling, training and legal help where state support is not available, and offers temporary relocation through its Journalists-in-Residence programme.
Support offered
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Relocation support Residency programmes
Temporary relocation through the Journalists-in-Residence programme.
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Support in host country Financial support Equipment replacement
No grants, but the ECPMF pays for counselling and training where state support is not available: professional development and language courses, legal advice, psychotherapy, recognition of academic and professional qualifications, and translators and interpreters. Journalistic equipment can be reimbursed up to €500 a year.
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Support in host country Covering legal costs
Covers legal fees for advice on asylum and immigration, labour and media law, and supports asylum procedures, including support letters for asylum and freelance visa applications. The ECPMF’s wider legal support programme also helps individuals and organisations in Europe with free speech issues such as defamation, access to public documents, protection of sources and whistleblowing.
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Support in host country Courses Guides and toolkits Digital safety training Language courses
Journalists can join training, workshops and language courses of their choice, including consultations on digital security, and the ECPMF suggests suitable trainers and schools where possible. It has also published Paving the Way, a handbook for journalists in exile in Germany.
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Support in host country Mental health
Covers the cost of up to 12 sessions with a therapist or counsellor of the journalist’s choice, which can be extended to 24 sessions if needed.
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Support in host country Digital and cyber security Technical support Monitoring and reporting of threats Advocacy Translation services
Referrals to support networks for physical protection, such as temporary relocation costs or security doors, and for digital protection, such as Access Now. The ECPMF also raises the profile of journalists in exile through its gallery, public statements, monitoring of threats and events with exiled journalists as speakers.
Priorities
Requests for legal support with asylum and residency are prioritised.
Works with
Reporters Without Borders Germany and the Journalists in Distress network
This information was last reviewed in August 2026. Always check eligibility and current availability with the organisation directly.