Call for Projects Aims to Strengthen Journalism and Combat Disinformation in Moldova

Moldova’s independent media sector is set to receive a significant boost following a new call for projects aimed at strengthening journalism and combating disinformation across the country.

The initiative, recently announced by international donors, comes at a critical time for Moldova’s media landscape, which continues to face challenges related to political influence, economic pressures, and the growing threat of disinformation campaigns. These funding opportunities will specifically target non-governmental organizations working to enhance media freedom and information integrity in the Eastern European nation.

According to details released by the funding body, eligible projects can receive grants ranging from €50,000 to €200,000, with a particular focus on initiatives that promote fact-checking, media literacy, and independent journalism practices. The program aims to foster a more transparent and reliable information environment in a region increasingly vulnerable to foreign information manipulation.

“Moldova sits at a geopolitical crossroads where information warfare has become an everyday reality,” said Maria Costas, a media analyst based in Chișinău. “This funding represents a crucial investment in the country’s democratic resilience at a time when factual reporting is increasingly under threat.”

The call for projects emerges against a backdrop of intensifying disinformation targeting Moldova, particularly as the country continues its path toward European integration. Intelligence reports from both Moldovan authorities and European partners have documented coordinated campaigns designed to undermine public trust in democratic institutions and promote anti-Western narratives.

Local media experts have welcomed the initiative but emphasize the complexity of the challenges ahead. “Financial support is essential, but addressing disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach,” explained Victor Gotișan, a researcher specializing in media development in Eastern Europe. “We need sustainable models for independent journalism, improved regulatory frameworks, and widespread digital literacy among citizens.”

Applications will be evaluated based on their potential impact, sustainability, and innovation in addressing media challenges. Priority will be given to projects demonstrating clear methodologies for strengthening journalistic standards, enhancing media organizations’ operational capacity, and building resilience against disinformation.

The funding initiative also acknowledges Moldova’s distinctive media ecosystem, where language divisions between Romanian and Russian-speaking audiences create parallel information spaces often subject to different external influences. Projects addressing this linguistic division and promoting balanced reporting across all communities will receive special consideration.

Moldova’s media sector has undergone significant transformation since the country gained independence following the Soviet Union’s collapse. However, media ownership concentration, political patronage, and economic vulnerability continue to hamper the development of truly independent outlets. Recent democracy indices place Moldova in the “transitional” or “hybrid regime” category, with media freedom remaining a persistent concern.

International observers note that the timing of this funding call coincides with Moldova’s preparations for crucial electoral cycles and ongoing constitutional reforms. “A robust and independent media sector is fundamental to democratic processes, especially during electoral periods when disinformation typically intensifies,” said Lukas Andriukaitis, a disinformation researcher at the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab.

The application deadline has been set for mid-October, with successful projects expected to commence implementation by early 2023. Applicants are required to demonstrate partnership approaches and sustainable impact beyond the funding period.

Media development specialists have encouraged smaller, regional outlets to apply, noting that local journalism plays a vital role in building resilience against disinformation at the community level. “Often the most effective counters to false narratives are trusted local voices who understand the specific concerns of their communities,” noted Paula Erizanu, a Moldovan journalist and media trainer.

As Moldova continues navigating complex domestic reforms while facing external pressure, strengthening independent media remains crucial to the country’s democratic development and European aspirations. This funding initiative represents a significant step toward building a more resilient information ecosystem in one of Eastern Europe’s most geopolitically contested spaces.