Seizing Synergies

This collaboration responds to a shared reality faced by independent media across the regions.

The Challenge

Disinformation campaigns, shrinking international funding, political pressure, and authoritarian influence undermine both journalistic work and public trust. At the same time, regional developments, be it elections and reforms, or war, security, and economic change directly affect people’s lives across borders. Yet these stories are still too often reported in isolation, without context or regional perspective.

The Approach

Seizing Synergies replaces isolated reporting with structured cooperation. Instead of duplicating work, the partner newsrooms pool their resources, knowledge, and expertise. A Georgian journalist’s investigation can inform a Ukrainian story; an Armenian expert can provide background for a Moldovan analysis. Shared research, shared costs, and shared editorial planning lead to stronger, more efficient and impactful journalism.

What We Are Building

At the heart of the project is a Collaborative Desk, through which  media outlets (CivilNet, Agora, Babel) jointly plan and produce journalism. Over the course of the project, the network will create at least 120 cross-border stories and 10 English-language podcasts, supported by a shared content database and a regional pool of experts. When one newsroom uncovers an important story, the others can contribute additional perspectives, adapt the content for their audiences, and amplify it internationally.

Why It Matters

By 2028, the participating media will not simply be project partners but a trusted, durable network. Their audiences will come to expect high-quality regional coverage. The media organizations themselves will be more resilient because they are no longer working alone. And independent journalism in Eastern Europe will be stronger, because Seizing Synergies demonstrates that cooperation across borders is not only possible, it is essential.