Open Democracy journalist Lyudmila Makey is the first Ukrainian journalist displaced by the war to move to Kosovo under the “Journalist in Residence” scheme.
“I thank all of you for enabling me to come to Kosovo. This program will allow me to continue to work as a journalist. I am deeply touched by the fact that complete strangers want to help us,” Makey said upon her arrival in Prishtina.
Makey was received by the Kosovo Journalists Union at the Prishtina airport, and later met Prime Minister Albin Kurti, as well as other members of his cabinet.
Today @gervallaschwarz, @XSvecla & I welcomed Lyudmila Makey, 1st of 20 🇺🇦 journalists that 🇽🇰 will host. Forced to leave home b/c of the Russian invasion, she'll go on to tell & report the truth on behalf of her people from where I hope she'll soon call her 2nd home. Welcome! pic.twitter.com/9W9boRF2zj
— Albin Kurti (@albinkurti) April 17, 2022
Kosovo plans to host a total of twenty journalists under the Journalist in Residence in Kosovo which will allow them to remain in Kosovo for a period of at least six months as internationally protected individuals.
“Successful candidates are provided with 1,000 euro for relocation, a monthly stipend of 500 euro, and 300 euro for rent. They will have access to an office space, to health insurance, and to language and integration courses. Upon request, the candidates will have access to psychological support,” the call for applications specifies.
Furthermore, Kosovo has expressed its willingness to host up to 5,000 Ukrainian refugees.
