Brussels, 19/12/2024 – Europe MédiaLab has launched a programme to triple, from 9 to 30 the number of permanent correspondents from Eastern Europe in Brussels, during the current EU mandate, addressing their underrepresentation regarding EU and NATO reporting. The new Maison du MédiaLab will provide selected journalists with six months of housing near EU institutions, supporting their integration into the Brussels media landscape and transition to permanent correspondents.
Christophe Leclercq, founder of the think-do-tank stated: “Getting Eastern Europe closer to EU and NATO can work only if public opinions understand the processes, both in the East and in the West. Skilled journalists are eager to be Brussels correspondents. Together with journalist associations, we managed to convince top media. The next media integration waves, from June 2025, will require more Brussels coaching and more support: do contact us!”.
The response to this programme has been strong, with applications received from four countries: Ukraine, Armenia, Moldova, and Georgia. A rigorous selection process followed, involving 37 media outlets and interviews overseen by Europe MédiaLab. Together with the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), and the International Press Association (IPA), 15 journalists were shortlisted. Six credible media, and promising journalists have been selected for the programme’s first wave, set to begin in January 2025. They are four women and two men, aged between 27 and 46, all keen to become Brussels correspondents.
Ricardo Gutierrez, EFJ Secretary General, explains: ”The increased presence in Brussels of professional journalists from Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia will contribute to better interaction – a dialogue and a deeper understanding – between public opinion in Eastern and Western Europe. This is a significant step forward in these times of disinformation and polarisation.”
As Daydd Ab Iago, IPA president commented: “Reporting from Brussels requires being here, building contacts and questioning key actors face-to-face. That’s crafting real news. So it’s great to see this project boosting the presence of eastern European journalists in Brussels where so many decisions are made.”
Selected Journalists for the First Wave:
Ukraine
- Tetyana Vysotska (European Pravda, Espreso TV)
Tetyana delivers analytical articles and live broadcasts on EU-Ukraine relations, with expertise in political, defence, and economic matters. - Valeriia Pashko (Suspilne, Public Broadcaster)
Valeriia covers European and Euro-Atlantic affairs, focusing on Ukraine’s engagement with the EU and NATO through live summit broadcasts and detailed reporting.
Moldova
- Iulia Sarivan (Jurnal TV, and Deutsche Welle)
Iulia is an experienced political reporter who provides live coverage and analysis on EU-Moldova relations and NATO summits. - Elena Zagnat (Agora.md)
Elena specialises in visual explanatory journalism, highlighting the benefits of EU membership for Moldovans through interviews, live broadcasts, and reports.
Georgia
- Vazha Tavberidze (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Georgia Today)
Vazha is a political analyst focusing on international security, post-Soviet conflicts and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. He also contributed to The Times and The Daily Beast. - Beqa Beriashvili (Interpressnews, Palitra News)
A journalist and editor, Beqa focuses on EU-Georgia relations, often serving as a primary information source for global media like Reuters and Politico.
Note: Armenian journalists are also pre-selected for the June-December 2025 programme, while their media first need to plan for this.
This programme is funded through a mix of individual donors, philanthropic contributions and sponsors; it may join some EU founded programme later.
The Maison du MédiaLab will be inaugurated on 14th January 2025 in Brussels. Stars4Media Day XI: “Democracy & Maison du MédiaLab” policy conference will take place from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Residence Palace. Keynotes will be delivered by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, European Parliament First Vice-President Sabine Verheyen, and EU former Commissioner for Transparency and Values Věra Jourová. The event will provide an occasion for MEPs, European institutions’ leaders, and Ambassadors to mark the launch, along with stakeholders and involved media editors.
Discover the programme and register here to participate.
For more information, please contact:
. Aliaksander Babiy, maison@europemedialab.eu
. Mélie Carcenac, communication@europemedialab.eu +32 (0) 2 615 06 57
. Christophe Leclercq, founder@europemedialab.eu
(This is not a call for applicants for future waves)