Counter-disinformation professionals across Europe are facing a troubling rise in threats, a reality confirmed by recent assessments from the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) and the European Parliament. From physical violence and online harassment to strategic lawsuits and digital surveillance, these dangers not only harm individuals but also jeopardize the vital work of building a trustworthy, fact-based digital environment for everyone in Europe.

In response to these critical challenges confronting the counter-disinformation community, EMIF is launching the SAFE initiative in its pilot phase. The facility has a total allocation of €150 000, and it aims to provide essential support to journalists, fact-checkers, researchers, and media organizations, empowering them to continue their crucial work despite the increasingly difficult landscape.   

Through SAFE, EMIF will provide financial assistance of up to €10,000 per request for activities planned for a maximum duration of three months. This support is designed to address urgent needs, such as:

• Securing legal aid for those targeted by strategic lawsuits or other forms of legal intimidation designed to stifle free expression and disrupt investigative work.
• Strengthening digital security measures, especially for individuals or organizations hit by targeted cyberattacks or surveillance.
• Accessing psychological support for professionals dealing with harassment or other hostile actions.
• Covering costs for documenting and archiving incidents of adversarial behaviour, preserving crucial evidence for potential future action.
• Organizing emergency training focused on responding effectively to threats, harassment, and digital attacks.
• Meeting other pressing needs stemming from harassment or adverse actions, which will be evaluated individually based on compelling evidence.

In this pilot phase of SAFE, EMIF aims to uphold high standards of applicants and build upon the existing engagement with its community. Therefore, applications are currently welcomed exclusively from:

• Current and past EMIF grantees
• Fact-checking organizations belonging to the European Fact-Checking Standards Network (EFCSN)
• Member organizations of EDMO Network consortia

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.