Sergei Smirnov

(Journalist from Russia, JiR in 2024)

“I simply can’t express my gratitude to ECPMF Leipzig enough. After two years, we all finally felt secure enough to start rebuilding our media—The Bell—which is now probably the last truly independent Russian business publication. Sadly, not anymore in Russia, but with the great assistance from the programme.

A bit of background is in order here. After Russia invaded Ukraine, The Bell was designated a “foreign agent,” which gives authorities an easy way to prosecute anyone working for the media. All of us had to scatter and live in Georgia or elsewhere, which was also not secure. I personally was denied entry back into Georgia after a year of living there because of my profession. I started receiving the programme’s support long before my actual flight to Berlin, but meeting the people of ECPMF in person just blew me away, and the workshops made me feel alive as a journalist again. Kudos to the team—keep up the great work!”