Board Members






Europe MédiaLab Team

Christophe Leclercq, Executive Chairman
Christophe Leclercq is a French media entrepreneur, first founding of EURACTIV Media Network, now chairing the think-do-tank Europe MédiaLab. Mr Leclercq was on the EU’s High-Level Expert Group on disinformation, and is now on the Advisory Council of EDMO (European Digital Media Observatory). Before his media career, he was strategy consultant with McKinsey and then EU competition official.
Also a commentator on media policy and strategy, Mr Leclercq wrote several opinion articles in French and English, often co-signed with European stakeholders and policy leaders, and addressed high-level events.

Thierry Leroy, Finance & Admin – Public Project management
As Secretary General of Europe MediaLab for several years, he manages the Foundation: finance, administration, operations and human resources. He is also responsible for preparing applications for public funding and managing project implementation.
He was Director of Public Projects and Finance at EURACTIV Media Network until 2023 and has extensive experience of financial management and EU-funded projects. In this sector, he also works for other organisations as a consultant or volunteer.

Aliaksandr Babiy, Programme Coordinator
Aliaks is the Coordinator of the “Maison du MédiaLab” programme, but also contributes to the organisation’s public relations. A College of Europe graduate, he possesses expertise in the EU Eastern neighbourhood and experience working in the EEAS and research institutes. Speaking several European languages allows Aliaks to better communicate the mission and build stronger partnerships.

Mélie Carcenac, Communication & Event manager
Mélie Carcenac leads communications and events at Europe MédiaLab, enhancing the visibility and impact of programmes such as Maison du MédiaLab. She coordinates weekly updates, monthly networking events, and biannual high-level conferences, Stars4Media Day attended by EU Commissioners, MEPs, and leading media professionals. Her work strengthens engagement across partners, media, and policymakers, supporting the organisation’s mission to foster innovation and collaboration in European journalism.

Maria-Elisa Podaru, Communication Assistant
Elisa supports Europe MédiaLab’s communication strategy by creating content for social media and promoting the organisation’s key objectives. She also helps improve the website and assists Mélie Carcenac with event planning.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Bucharest and is completing a Master’s in Advertising and Digital Communication. Her previous roles in various organisations and institutions, including the European Parliament, have strengthened her communication skills and EU knowledge.