Here are essential activities and deadlines during the 2026/27 edition of the IJ4EU programme.
In January 2026, IJ4EU introduced a refreshed support framework for public-interest reporting, making €1.6 million in grant funding available over a two-year period. The programme is designed to strengthen cross-border collaboration and enable ambitious investigations that might otherwise struggle to find backing.
Funding is only one part of the offer. Throughout the cycle, IJ4EU will also provide journalists and news organisations with access to tailored training, expert mentoring, networking platforms and legal support services, creating a comprehensive ecosystem around each investigation.
We will soon publish details of training and networking opportunities. In the meantime, here are some key dates for your diaries.
Calls for grant applications
IJ4EU has two support schemes for cross-border investigative journalism. The Investigation Support Scheme offers grants of up to €50,000 and the Freelancer Support Scheme provides grants of up to €20,000 plus training and mentoring.
Both schemes will have two calls for proposals during the 2026/27 edition of the programme. Calls will be launched on the following dates. Applicants will have nine weeks to submit proposals.
During each call, we will hold info webinars to answer your questions about IJ4EU and public Cross-Border Masterclasses to help you refine your ideas and submit the strongest possible application.
Feb 12, 2026: First call opens
- Feb 23, 2026: IJ4EU info webinar (public Q&A session)
- March 3, 2026: Cross-Border Masterclass (public online seminar)
April 13, 2026: First call closes (deadline for applications)
Dec 1, 2026: Second call opens
- Dec 8, 2026: IJ4EU info webinar (public Q&A session)
- Dec 15, 2026: Cross-Border Masterclass (public online seminar)
Feb 2, 2027: Second call closes (deadline for applications)
IJ4EU Impact Awards
The annual IJ4EU Impact Awards celebrate excellence in cross-border investigative journalism in Europe. Here are the relevant dates for the 2026/27 edition of the IJ4EU programme.
2026
Feb 26: Call for nominations
April 23: Deadline for nominations
Autumn 2026: IJ4EU Impact Awards Ceremony
2027
End of Feb: Call for nominations
Late April: Deadline for nominations
Autumn 2027: IJ4EU Impact Awards Ceremony
Conferences
The IJ4EU fund will offer travel grants to allow as many grantees as possible to attend IJ4EU’s annual UNCOVERED Conference. The conference will take place in autumn 2026 and autumn 2027. Dates and venues to be announced.
The IJ4EU Impact Award ceremonies will take place at UNCOVERED Conferences.