Youth Facing Disinformation – Why Journalists Matter 2026 is a Council of Europe initiative for young people interested in journalism, media literacy, information integrity and democratic participation. The two-day event will take place in Strasbourg on 9–10 November 2026. Selected participants will receive travel, accommodation and meals, while applications close on 1 September 2026.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Youth Facing Disinformation – Why Journalists Matter
Category: Youth conference and interactive workshops
Host: Council of Europe
Location: European Youth Centre and Palais de l’Europe, Strasbourg
Programme Dates: 9–10 November 2026
Application Deadline: 1 September 2026
Participation Support: Travel, accommodation and meals
Eligible Applicants: Young people aged 18–30 residing in a Council of Europe member state
About Youth Facing Disinformation – Why Journalists Matter 2026
The initiative places young people at the centre of efforts to protect freedom of expression, strengthen information integrity and support democratic resilience.
It responds to an information environment shaped by digital platforms, algorithms and increasing disinformation. The programme also examines the role of journalists in verifying information and providing the public with access to reliable reporting.
The initiative is supported under the Monaco Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. It is organised through the Journalists Matter Campaign in cooperation with the Youth Department’s Youth Revitalising Democracy project.
The Strasbourg event will bring together young participants, journalists, media creators, policymakers and experts. Participants will examine disinformation, media literacy, journalist safety and youth engagement through conferences, workshops and peer exchange.
Programme Purpose
The programme aims to help young people understand how disinformation affects the modern information environment and democratic participation.
Participants will explore:
• How disinformation and information manipulation operate
• Why journalism remains important for democracy
• How journalists verify information
• How artificial intelligence affects media literacy
• Why journalist safety supports democratic resilience
• How young people can strengthen information integrity
• How critical thinking can help individuals evaluate information
The event also gives participants an opportunity to exchange perspectives with peers and professionals working across journalism, research, policymaking and digital media.
Two-Day Programme Format
The event will combine a high-level conference with practical workshops.
9 November 2026: High-Level Conference
The first day will take place at the Palais de l’Europe.
Participants will engage with journalists, digital creators, policymakers, researchers and media experts. Discussions will address:
• Disinformation and information manipulation
• Journalism in the digital age
• Media literacy and artificial intelligence
• Safety of journalists
• Democratic resilience
10 November 2026: Interactive Workshops
The second day will take place at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg.
Participants will work in small groups through simulations, practical exercises and guided discussions. Activities will help them:
✓ Investigate and verify information
✓ Understand how journalists work under pressure
✓ Strengthen critical-thinking skills
✓ Develop media and information literacy
✓ Prepare recommendations for future action
The combination of expert dialogue and applied exercises is intended to connect wider policy discussions with practical skills that young participants can use in their communities and professional work.
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What Selected Participants Receive
The Council of Europe will cover the main participation expenses for selected applicants.
Confirmed support includes:
✓ Travel expenses
✓ Accommodation in Strasbourg
✓ Meals during the programme
✓ Access to the high-level conference
✓ Participation in interactive workshops
✓ Opportunities to meet journalists, creators and policymakers
✓ Exchange with young participants from Council of Europe member states
The programme’s working languages are English and French. Interpretation will be available during the plenary sessions.
What Participants Can Gain
The event is designed to combine learning, professional exchange and youth participation.
Selected participants will be able to:
✓ Develop practical media-literacy skills
✓ Improve their understanding of information verification
✓ Explore the connection between journalism and democracy
✓ Learn about the pressures journalists face
✓ Exchange ideas with peers from across Europe
✓ Contribute youth perspectives to discussions about trustworthy information
✓ Develop recommendations for future action
The programme also provides opportunities to build connections with participants and professionals working in journalism, media, education, civil society and public policy.
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Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to young people who meet the programme’s age and residence requirements.
Applicants must:
• Be between 18 and 30 years old
• Reside in a Council of Europe member state
• Have an interest or experience in at least one relevant area
• Be available to attend the event in Strasbourg on 9–10 November 2026
Relevant areas include:
• Journalism and media
• Digital content creation
• Media and information literacy
• Education and youth work
• Human rights and democratic participation
• Fact-checking
• Artificial intelligence
• Information integrity
The Council of Europe particularly encourages applications from journalists, journalism students, digital creators, youth leaders, educators, researchers and representatives of youth organisations and civil society.
Participation Expectations
Applicants should be prepared to participate actively in both days of the programme.
The conference and workshops involve discussion, collaborative exercises and interaction with other participants. Therefore, selected applicants should be ready to:
• Share their perspectives and experiences
• Participate in small-group activities
• Engage respectfully with different viewpoints
• Contribute to practical exercises
• Work with peers on recommendations for future action
• Attend the scheduled conference and workshop sessions
The event is intended for participants who want to contribute to discussions about journalism, democracy and reliable information rather than attend only as observers.
Selection and Notification
The Council of Europe will review submitted applications and select participants for the Strasbourg event.
Selected participants are expected to be informed by 17 September 2026. Only applicants chosen for participation will receive the travel, accommodation and meal support described on the official page.
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How to Submit an Application
Applications must be completed through the official online participation form linked on the Council of Europe programme page.
Applicants should:
• Confirm that they meet the age and residence requirements
• Review the programme purpose and event schedule
• Open the official participation form
• Complete all required sections accurately
• Submit the application by 1 September 2026
The call for participation runs from 6 July to 1 September 2026. This participation application is separate from the initiative’s project-grant process.
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Key Dates
• Call for participation opens: 6 July 2026
• Application deadline: 1 September 2026
• Selected participants informed by: 17 September 2026
• High-Level Conference: 9 November 2026
• Interactive Workshops: 10 November 2026
The event will take place at the Palais de l’Europe and the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg.
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official participation form below.
Apply for Youth Facing Disinformation – Why Journalists Matter
