2009 Programme Launched

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The Robert Bosch Stiftung and ERSTE Foundation, in cooperation with the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, BIRN, are pleased to announce the third year of the Balkan Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence programme.

To mark two tumultuous decades of both fragmentation and European integration since the collapse of the Iron Curtain and the descent into armed conflict in many Balkan nations, journalists are invited to explore the broad concept of “Identity” in the contemporary landscape.

Journalists from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania or Serbia are encouraged to submit research proposals for a 2,000 word journalistic article.
Through an open competition, ten journalists will be selected to participate in a seven month programme. The journalists will receive funding and professional support to conduct research, both in the region and in the European Union, culminating in publication and Europe-wide promotion of their reports at the end of the year.

Successful applicants will receive a bursary of 2,000 Euros and a travel allowance of up to 2,000 Euros.
A selection committee comprised of prominent journalists will additionally award one fellow with an individually-tailored opportunity for further professional development, to the value of 8,000 Euros.
Applications must be received no later than 1st March 2009. More details about the programme, application forms and guidelines are available at http://fellowship.birn.eu.com