The International Press Institute (IPI) and the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM) announce a call for expressions of interests to participate in a week-long hostile environment and awareness training (HEAT) near Vienna, Austria, for journalists in the South Caucasus, the Western Balkans, Moldova and Ukraine.
Training Course
The week-long intensive, small-group training course will deliver practical knowledge on risk minimization and appropriate responses to emergencies related to reporting in zones of crisis, conflict, and civil unrest, including communication security.
The wide range of issues to be covered includes:
- First aid
- Personal security
- Communications procedures
- Behavior under fire
- Conduct after capture
- Stress management and mental health
- Survival skills
- Online safety and disinformation
- Reporting in areas of civil unrest
The training will be conducted by experts of the Austrian Ministry of Defence with extensive background in hostile environment training. The course is being implemented in cooperation with the Austrian Ministry for European and International Affairs, the Austrian Ministry of Defence, the OSCE RFoM, and IPI.
When and Where
The week-long HEAT training course will take place February 23 – 28, 2026 at the Austrian Armed Forces International Centre (AUTINT) in Götzendorf, near Vienna.
Funding and Support
The costs of participation in the course will be fully covered, including meals, travel (flights) and accommodation in Austria. During the week, participants will be housed at the Austrian Armed Forces International Centre. The course organizers will also be able to support participants in applying for a visa for those who need one.
Who Can Apply
Working journalists from the South Caucasus, the Western Balkans, Moldova and Ukraine. Journalists who apply will need to describe the relevance of the course to their work. We strongly encourage applications from female journalists.
Please note that a minimum level of intermediate proficiency is required for admittance. Participants are expected to clearly communicate and actively participate in conversations and interactions, and follow presentations and instructions given by the trainers.
How to Apply
Interested journalists should fill out the online application here. The deadline for applications is Friday, January 23. IPI and the OSCE RFoM will contact shortlisted applicants for brief interviews as part of the application process.
We plan to review applications on a rolling-basis, interviewing candidates and offering spots to successful candidates on a first come first serve basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
We will support participants to arrange travel to Vienna and submit visa applications if needed. Participants should plan to arrive in Vienna on Sunday, February 22 and depart on Saturday, February 28.
Organizers will arrange all local transportation for participants to the training location.
Accommodation at AUTINT will generally be two persons per room (same gender).
Apply here