Shelter City Leipzig is opening its doors to journalists at risk

Written by Stefanie Gordin

An Interview with Alina Toropova from ECPMF

In the vibrant city of Leipzig, the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) has been standing up for press freedom across Europe for over a decade. This year marks ECPMF’s 10th anniversary, and on 8 September 2025, the organization will celebrate this milestone by officially launching Leipzig as a Shelter City – a powerful step in its long-standing commitment to supporting journalists at risk.

We spoke with Alina Toropova, Journalists-in-Residence Programme Manager at ECPMF, about their work, what the new partnership means, and why solidarity is essential in times of shrinking civic space.

Supporting journalists and defending freedom

Alina joined ECPMF in 2020 and has since worked closely with journalists and human rights defenders at risk. One of ECPMF’s most impactful work strands is the Journalists-in-Residence (JiR) programme, launched in 2015. Since then, 86 journalists from 15 countries have found temporary safety and space to continue their work in Leipzig. We offer a support system similar to many other Shelter Cities, such as accommodation, a stipend, psychosocial support, language courses, health insurance, and daily assistance from our team.

The programme focuses on journalists located in the Council of Europe area, Russia, Belarus, and Kosovo, regardless of citizenship. In special cases, journalists from countries like Sudan or Cuba have also been hosted, provided they were already in Europe.

A natural step

ECPMF had long collaborated with other Shelter Cities across Europe. Becoming an official member of the network felt like a logical next step. “For years, we have stood side by side in solidarity. Becoming part of the network now simply formalizes a relationship that was already rooted in shared purpose and trust.” Joining the network strengthens ties, creates visibility for shared values, and sends a strong message of unity.

“It’s about showing we are not alone – we are in this together. The more organizations involved, the stronger we are.”

Leipzig’s role as a Shelter City is supported directly by the local government. The mayor and the municipality have backed ECPMF, including financially, since the beginning. With today’s restrictive migration policies, this kind of public support carries deep symbolic and practical meaning. “By signing this partnership, Leipzig is opening its doors to journalists at risk, and taking a stand for the values we all share.”

Shared knowledge, greater impact

For Alina, Shelter City’s power lies in collaboration, not just symbolic, but practical. By joining the network, cities and organizations can share resources, knowledge, and strategies to provide better protection and empowerment for the journalists they host. “We hope this will expand the pool of opportunities for journalists, from trainers and experts to advocacy and long-term support.” And beyond the individual support, Alina sees real potential in joint advocacy across Europe.

United voices are louder. We need that. Especially now, with so many barriers in migration and access to safety.

Stories that inspire and solidarity

When asked about moments that keep her inspired, Alina recalls many meaningful connections, but one journalist stands out. “A Turkish journalist who investigated terrorism, threatened by both authorities and terrorists, yet she never stopped writing. She has a soft heart and a strong will. Hearing her stories was like reading a novel. Unbelievable, but real.”

Alina believes that solidarity is not just a value, it’s a strategy for survival.

“Opportunities are shrinking. But solidarity is one thing we can still engage in. The more we collaborate, the more sustainable our support will be, foremost for the human rights defenders and the work they do.”

We welcome Shelter City Leipzig and thank Alina and ECPMF for standing side by side with journalists at risk.