Policy leaders and media experts gathered in Brussels to address the critical challenges facing democracy and media freedom. Two events hosted by Europe MédiaLab highlighted the need for stronger policies, innovative solutions, and increased support for journalists. The Maison du MédiaLab aims at tripling the numbers of journalists from Eastern Europe, fostering a resilient media landscape across the continent.

1. Stars4Media Day, “Shaping the Future of Media”: organising 2024-2029On Monday, September 23rd, more than 100 participants convened at the Résidence Palace in Brussels for Stars4Media Day. Věra Jourová Commission Vice-President for Values & Transparency kicked off the day, emphasizing the EU's commitment to safeguarding democracy. She highlighted a change in the next Commission: "Some of you in this room called for a Commissioner for Democracy to continue my work. Well, you would have two! The new College presented by President von der Leyen includes one Executive Vice-President and one Commissioner responsible for democracy. "Following Jourová, the EU Parliament First Vice-President, Sabine Verheyen, reflected on the major role of media, calling for their freedom and independence in society: "There is no democracy without free and independent media. They remain the main sources of information about European affairs, representing key multipliers and relays of factual, credible and reliable data about the EU in general, and the Parliament in particular."Concluding the keynote segment, Christophe Leclercq, chairing Europe MédiaLab, said: "To avoid the death of newsrooms, there are two ways to share the costs: consolidate or cooperate. What's missing is cross-border collaboration skills and reporters in Brussels. This is why our think-do-tank developed the Stars4Media programmes, helping 130 media, and now the Maison du MédiaLab, helping Eastern Europe." He also stressed the need for a comprehensive media strategy that goes beyond legislation. This would include a simple overview of the impact on media of recent policies: a point supported by VP Jourova. The next panel, moderated by Lyndsey Jones (Strategist and Coach, WAN-IFRA), examined the need for an industrial policy for the media sector. Panelists Paolo Cesarini (EDMO/EUI), Méona Hintermann (Reporters d’Espoirs), Nikola Minchev (MEP, Renew Europe) and Juri Laas (Spokesperson for the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola). It discussed embedding support into the EU, the evolution of newsrooms in Europe, ensuring their survival amidst economic pressures and AI.

The second panel, moderated by David Mekkaoui (Europe MédiaLab Managing Director), shifted the focus towards Eastern Europe, with speakers such as H.E. Vsevolod Chentsov (Ambassador of Ukraine to the EU), Maria Leonova (The Tellers), Nicolae Mocanu (TVR Moldova) and Ricardo Guttiérez (EFJ Secretary General) . This session explored the unique challenges Eastern European media face in covering EU and NATO affairs from Brussels. Journalists need protection of their independent role, security, and the knowledge that their employers will thrive. Both panels underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation.

2. Garden Party at Maison du MédiaLab: Democracy infrastructure for the EastOn Sunday, September 22nd, attendees toured the new facility. The house aims at tripling the number of Eastern Europe correspondents in Brussels, by hosting waves of 6 journalists, rotating every 6 months. Media outlets from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine are grateful for this opportunity. One of the key highlights was a speech by H.E. Vsevolod Chentsov, Ambassador of Ukraine to the EU: "The media’s responsibility for truth and democracy is more important than ever. Your role is not just to inform but to give a voice to those who have none, to stand firm in the face of disinformation." The Ambassador also urged media professionals to cover Ukraine beyond the war, and advocated more Ukrainians in large Western Media.The garden party also inaugurated the art exhibition ‘United by Borscht’ by artist Inga Yakymenko, which added a cultural dimension to the day’s proceedings. Maison du MédiaLab will rotate a yearly exhibition between different countries, starting with Ukraine. David Mekkaoui issued a rallying call for support, stressing the need for sponsors and funding to help sustain and grow the Maison du MédiaLab. He said: "To ensure continued success, we need backing from sponsors and funders who believe in the power of independent journalism and cross-border cooperation. Your support is essential to help us maintain these efforts.".