August was a vibrant month at Europe MediaLab with three highlights. First, regarding advocacy: momentum growing behind Trusted European Platforms. Second, Maison du MediaLab correspondents continued their integration into the Brussels Press Corps. Georgian journalists joined the team, while Armenian ones await funding. Third, Ukraine’s Flag Day and Independence Day were marked in Brussels.
“Trusted European Platforms”: momentum builds for Europe’s democratic infrastructure
Momentum around Trusted European Platforms (TEPs) is building rapidly. Across Europe, journalists, tech, advertising, investors, and policymakers realise that regulation alone cannot safeguard our democracies. Disinformation and polarisation persist on toxic platforms such as X, and also Meta, YouTube, and TikTok, highlighting the need for credible, home-grown alternatives.
TEPs provide just that: platforms underpinned by trust indicators, profile portability, transparency, and business models aligned with the public interest. In recent months, initiatives have helped bring together actors from both the media and policy stakeholders.
The new political season underway starts with the State of the European Union address on September 10th. Now is the moment for Europe to send clear messages and trigger tech& marketing investments in ventures for a resilient digital future.
France and Germany, at their joint Council in Toulon, announced a Summit in Berlin on Europe Digital Sovereignty, on November 18th: will the EU be ready on time to build the Democracy Shield?
Monthly event: Last bite of Summer at Maison du MédiaLab
On 26 August, Maison du MediaLab gathered correspondents, partners, and friends for its Last Bite of Summer evening — a warm moment of connection and exchange before the busy autumn ahead. Guests shared plum desserts prepared from the residence’s own tree, a symbol of abundance and continuity. In Ukrainian tradition, plums embody hospitality, resilience, and the warmth of community — values that resonated with our correspondents from Eastern Europe. As Brussels moves to “la rentrée”, this offered sweetness and fresh perspectives on media collaboration across Europe.
MediaLab residents join Ukraine’s National Flag Day in Brussels
On 23 August in Brussels, Ukrainian correspondents and residents of Maison du MediaLab joined European partners to mark Ukraine’s National Flag Day with the traditional unfurling of a 30-metre flag in front of the European Parliament. The ceremony was opened by H.E. Ambassador Vsevolod Chentsov, followed by remarks from EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, MEP Sergey Lagodinsky and European Parliament Secretary General Alessandro Chiocchetti. In his address, Ambassador Chentsov stressed that the Ukrainian flag symbolises centuries of struggle, resilience and the unbreakable spirit of Ukrainians, expressing hope that it will soon stand as that of a full EU member state. The Ukrainian, Belgian and European anthems were performed, underlining a shared commitment to freedom and solidarity.
Ukraine’s Independence Day
The next day, on 24 August, Ukraine’s Independence Day was celebrated in Brussels together with Maison du MediaLab correspondents and residents from Ukraine, Christophe Leclercq, and many friends, allies, and partners. From the ‘Run for Ukraine’ to cultural performances and the official ceremony, the day was filled with unity, gratitude, and solidarity.
Ambassador Vsevolod Chentsov reminded that Ukraine fights not only for itself but also for democracy, dignity, and freedom everywhere. Guests of honour included Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Dmytro Vasyliyev, Chargé d’Affaires of Ukraine in Belgium, and Mykhailo Dzivitskyi, President of the Ukrainian Voices Refugee Committee.
Fresh Georgian voices enter the EU media landscape with Maison du MediaLab
On 29 August, the Europe MediaLab team welcomed the newest resident of Maison du MediaLab: Formula News correspondent Luka Khachidze. Fresh correspondents ready to bring new perspectives to the EU bubble: we also look forward to welcoming Civil.ge and RealPolitika correspondent Zaza Abashidze.
Journalists’ Updates
Milana Holovan
Liga.net (Ukraine)
This month, Milana Holovan reported on key developments in Ukraine’s international relations. She analysed President Zelensky’s meeting with Donald Trump in Washington, noting that while the talks produced no formal agreements, they helped set the tone for possible future cooperation. She also highlighted European reactions to US diplomacy, quoting a German Member of the European Parliament who urged Trump to clarify whether he supports Putin’s position or that of Europe. In another report, she reflected on the comments of a Lithuanian MEP who pointed out that key security guarantees such as air defence and no-fly zones remain undefined, emphasising the urgent need for greater clarity. Finally, Milana presented nine lessons that Europe has drawn from Ukraine’s struggle for independence. Her reporting showed cautious optimism in diplomacy, while underlining uncertainties about Europe’s long-term commitment to Ukraine.
Felicia Ganeva
Ziarul de Gardă (Moldova)
In August, Felicia Ganeva focused on justice and political developments shaping Moldova’s democratic path. She reported on the arrest in Spain of Veaceslav Platon’s son following an Interpol warrant, a case that drew significant public attention and highlighted ongoing judicial cooperation across borders. Felicia also covered the tense protests organised by the Blocul Victoriei în Chișinău, where police dismantled tents set up for what was announced as an indefinite demonstration, raising questions about political organisation and public order. She concluded the month with an analysis of a corruption case involving a former candidate for mayor in Tîrnova, who was convicted of bribing voters during the election campaign. Together, these stories reflect both the challenges and the gradual strengthening of Moldova’s rule of law and democratic resilience.
