According to international obligations, Georgia is set on giving its media more freedom, re-balancing power between the legislature and the executive and seeking a peaceful resolution of its internal conflicts. Mikhail Saakashvilli, Georgia’s charismatic and ambitious president has been in power since the Rose Revolution of 2003. Will he secure a rosy future for his country?

Approaching the second anniversary of the brief war with Russia over South Ossetia, Georgia’s breakaway region, journalists are offered an opportunity to investigate the complexity of the two conflicts and touch upon Georgia’s commitment to democratic reforms.

This briefing is part of a European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) series of eight events organised with the financial support of European Commission’s DG External Relations.

Developed in 2004, the ENP provides a framework for the EU to work with neighbouring countries by offering support and financial assistance in exchange for the undertaking of reforms in line with European values. The hope is that these reforms lead to closer political and economic integration between the neighbouring state and the EU, contributing to a safe and stable European neighbourhood.

This workshop includes a one-day programme in Brussels followed by an intensive study tour to Georgia. The briefing will examine the ENP’s state of play, the EU’s relations with Georgia, as well as its political and economic dynamics through meetings, panel discussions, lectures and field visits. Participating reporters will be briefed by a wide range of sources featuring EU officials, diplomats, local authorities, civil society organisations, independent experts, NGOs and journalists.

Applications are open to EU professional working journalists

Le Maroc est un partenaire privilégié de l’Union Européenne: leur proximité géographique, leur histoire commune, les liens de plus en plus étroits unissant leurs peuples, le développement des échanges économiques et financiers et de nombreux autres facteurs font foi d’une interdépendance croissante.

Afin de faire le point sur la coopération bilatérale UE-Maroc et d’analyser en profondeur les défis de leurs liens privilégiés, la DG EuropeAid de la Commission Européenne (CE) et le Centre Européen de Journalisme (EJC) organisent un séminaire pour une quinzaine de journalistes des médias européens dont les travaux seront exclusivement en Français.

Le séminaire aura lieu du 19 au 22 Avril, à Rabat, et permettra aux participants connaître davantage la politique de voisinage de l’UE vis-à-vis un pays de référence dans le contexte de ses relations avec le monde arabe.

Notamment par le biais de l’Union Pour la Méditerranée (UPM), l’Europe vise à instaurer une paix juste et durable dans la région qui favorisera une zone de prospérité partagée entre tous les pays des deux rives de la Méditerranée.

Les participants auront l’occasion de rencontrer des fonctionnaires communautaires et des administrations publiques marocaines ainsi que des experts indépendants et membres d’ONG locaux.

Une série de déplacements dans le territoire marocain est prévue. Les journalistes visiteront des projets représentatifs de la stratégie de développement humain (économique et social) mise en place par les autorités marocaines avec le soutient de l’Europe.

Les régions les plus riches en potentialités d’interventions de la part de l’Union Européenne et des bons exemples de son agenda de développement seront à l’honneur dans cette visite de presse.

The European Journalism Centre in co-operation with DG Economic and Financial Affairs of the European Commission is organising a three-day information briefing specifically tailored for journalists coming from the new EU Member States who have not yet adopted the euro.

What are the economic challenges for the new EU Member States? Is an enlargement of the Euro-zone foreseen in the near future? What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a member of "the group” during a period of economic crisis?

These questions and an appreciation of the first 10 years of the European single currency, the latest developments due to the economic crisis and the role of Europe’s single currency in its second decade are just some of the topics that will be addressed by European Commission officials and independent experts during the briefing that will take place from 17-19 May 2010 in Brussels.

How has Europe handled the recent financial and economic crisis to date? What next steps should be taken by the Belgian Presidency to spur action by the EU-27 to control the economic and financial damage already done?

Which impact will the financial crisis in Greece have on the Euro Area countries, including in particular Belgium?

What other “problem cases” are there out there in the Euro-Zone for the Presidency to be on the lookout for?

What will be the role/function of the Belgian Presidency in the launch of the EU 2020 strategy?


Get answers to these questions during this special three-day seminar in Brussels from 17th to 19th May 2010.

The event is tailored exclusively for Belgian journalists covering economics, finance and business issues. It is organised by the European Journalism Centre in co-operation with the European Commission, Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs.

During the seminar you will meet policy makers from the EU Commission and Council, leading independent experts and experienced Brussels correspondents.
You will get facts and viewpoints on the economic and financial realities of Europe today as well as participate in press briefings of the Euro Area countries, at the press conference of the ECOFIN meeting as well as the daily press briefing of the European Commission.

Please note that the working language of the seminar is English.

Expenses for transport arrangement, accommodation and some meals are covered.

The state of EU aid focusing on the reciprocal topics climate change and biodiversity will be the focal point of this briefing. Six months after the UN Climate Change Conference, discussions will examine the EU's response in light of the commitments set out in Copenhagen. The programme will also allow journalists to report from the EU Green Week - the biggest annual conference on European environment policy - as it takes place in Brussels parallel to this briefing.

Backed by the EC EuropeAid Co-operation Office, the European Journalism Centre is holding this intensive three-day briefing for EU journalists in Brussels. Sessions feature meetings with key Commission officials, NGOs and independent experts and focus on concrete projects and results as well as the key policies underpinning these actions.

Depuis son indépendance en 1956 et n’ayant eu que deux dirigeants depuis lors, la Tunisie a montré peu d’enthousiasme à l’égard de changements politiques. Cependant, un flot constant de réformes économiques et sociales a amélioré le quotidien de ses citoyens. Néanmoins, la Tunisie témoigne toujours de l’un des indices de pauvreté les plus bas. Ceci dit, de nombreux défis sont à venir- tels que la création d’emploi pour la population active grandissante.

En devenant en 2008 le premier pays méditerranéen à faire partie d’une zone de libre échange avec l’Union Européenne, la Tunisie a tissé des liens commerciaux solides avec l’Europe. L’union Européenne représente grosso modo les ¾ des exports-imports et demeure le plus gros investisseur étranger en Tunisie. Ce séminaire intensif de 5 jours permettra à 15 journalistes européens d’observer le développement économique de la Tunisie ainsi que le soutien de l’Union Européenne à la politique de réformes mise en place.

Le briefing fait partie d’une série de 8 séminaires organisés avec le soutien financier de la Direction Générale des relations extérieures de la Commission Européenne.

Créée en 2004, la politique européenne de voisinage fournit un cadre à l’Union Européenne et offre à ses voisins un soutien et un support financier en l’échange de réformes alignées sur les valeurs européennes. Le but est que ces réformes conduisent à une intégration politique et économique plus proche entre l’état voisin et l’Union Européenne, ce qui en retour devrait contribuer à un voisinage européen sécurisé et stable.

Ce séminaire comprend deux jours à Bruxelles, suivis d’une étude intensive de Tunisie. Le séminaire examinera l’état des lieux de la PEV, les relations de l'Union Européenne avec Tunisie, de même que les dynamiques politiques et économiques au travers de rendez-vous, discussions, conférences et visites sur le terrain. Les journalistes seront informés par un grand nombre de fonctionnaires de l’Union Européenne, diplomates, représentants des autorités locales et d’organisations représentant la société civile, d’ experts indépendants, d’ONG et de journalistes.

Les candidatures sont ouvertes aux journalistes professionnels de l’Union Européenne

Grâce à une série de réformes accélérées, le Maroc, partenaire privilégié de l’Union Européenne, jouit d’un Statut Avancé au sein de la Politique Européenne de Voisinage depuis octobre 2008. C’est aussi le pays qui bénéficie le plus d’aides parmi les états voisins qui font partie de la PEV.

Le Statut Avancé prévoit un développement progressif des relations bilatérales- une stratégie qui viserait à aider la participation du Maroc dans certains programmes communautaires tout comme au sein d’ agences et qui faciliterait l’intégration graduelle de l’économie marocaine au sein du marché intérieur européen. Afin d’évaluer le renforcement des relations bilatérales, un sommet sans précédent UE- Maroc est prévu pour mars 2010.

En juin, un groupe de 15 journalistes se rendra à Rabat afin d’avoir un aperçu du processus de modernisation du royaume.

Le briefing fait partie d’une série de 8 séminaires organisés avec le soutien financier de la Direction Générale des relations extérieures de la Commission Européenne.

Créée en 2004, la politique européenne de voisinage fournit un cadre à l’Union Européenne et offre à ses voisins un soutien et un support financier en l’échange de réformes alignées sur les valeurs européennes. Le but est que ces réformes conduisent à une intégration politique et économique plus proche entre l’état voisin et l’Union Européenne, ce qui en retour devrait contribuer à un voisinage européen sécurisé et stable.

Ce séminaire comprend deux jours à Bruxelles, suivis d’une étude intensive de Maroc. Le séminaire examinera l’état des lieux de la PEV, les relations de l'Union Européenne avec Maroc, de même que les dynamiques politiques et économiques au travers de rendez-vous, discussions, conférences et visites sur le terrain. Les journalistes seront informés par un grand nombre de fonctionnaires de l’Union Européenne, diplomates, représentants des autorités locales et d’organisations représentant la société civile, d’ experts indépendants, d’ONG et de journalistes.

Les candidatures sont ouvertes aux journalistes professionnels de l’Union Européenne

Israel boasts a thriving knowledge-based economy, with investments in R&D steadily above 4 % of GDP over the past years. In the coming months, the country is expected to join other industrialised nations in the OECD, an official confirmation that Israel is a developed nation. What lies behind the economic success created by this young nation, existing in a constant state of war and with almost no natural resources?

With the EU being its main trading partner, Israeli political, industrial, commercial and scientific leaders maintain close links to Europe. During an intensive five-day workshop EU reporters will have the opportunity to explore Israel’s business, trade relations and research sector.

This briefing is part of a European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) series of eight events organised with the financial support of European Commission’s DG External Relations.

Developed in 2004, the ENP provides a framework for the EU to work with neighbouring countries by offering support and financial assistance in exchange for the undertaking of reforms in line with European values. The hope is that these reforms lead to closer political and economic integration between the neighbouring state and the EU, contributing to a safe and stable European neighbourhood.

This workshop includes a one-day programme in Brussels followed by an intensive study tour to Israel. The briefing will examine the ENP’s state of play, the EU’s relations with Israel, as well as its political and economic dynamics through meetings, panel discussions, lectures and field visits. Participating reporters will be briefed by a wide range of sources featuring EU officials, diplomats, local authorities, civil society organisations, independent experts, NGOs and journalists.

Applications are open to EU professional working journalists

Teetering between Russia and the EU, Belarus is poised to gain more political support from the latter and keen on becoming less economically reliant on the former. After the initial rapprochement of late 2008 with the former Soviet Republic, Brussels wants deeper involvement from Belarus' President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, firmly in power since 1994.

A study trip to Minsk will give 15 EU journalists the opportunity to explore how Belarus' crucial democratic reforms might influence the country’s political life and relations with its immediate neighbours.

This briefing is part of a European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) series of eight events organised with the financial support of European Commission’s DG External Relations.

Developed in 2004, the ENP provides a framework for the EU to work with neighbouring countries by offering support and financial assistance in exchange for the undertaking of reforms in line with European values. The hope is that these reforms lead to closer political and economic integration between the neighbouring state and the EU, contributing to a safe and stable European neighbourhood.

This workshop includes a one-day programme in Brussels followed by an intensive study tour to Belarus. The briefing will examine the ENP’s state of play, the EU’s relations with Belarus, as well as its political and economic dynamics through meetings, panel discussions, lectures and field visits. Participating reporters will be briefed by a wide range of sources featuring EU officials, diplomats, local authorities, civil society organisations, independent experts, NGOs and journalists.

Applications are open to EU professional working journalists

Five years after the Orange Revolution put Ukraine on the path towards a European-style government, where will a newly elected president direct the country? With critical gas pipelines running across Ukraine to supply the EU, how will government policies affect the EU’s long term energy security?

Two presidential elections and three gas cut-offs later, this five-day intensive workshop will enable 15 European journalists to take a look at the progress of Ukraine’s political and economic reforms as well as its implications for the future of European gas consumption. A quarter of Europe's gas is supplied by Russia and 80% of it transits through Ukraine.

To guarantee its citizens and economy continuous supplies, the EU has backed the restructuring of Ukraine’s gas transit system. Burdened with an under-reformed economy badly hit by the financial crisis, Ukraine is also deeply divided between a Russian speaking east loyal to Moscow and its western part eying the EU.

This briefing is part of a European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) series of eight events organised with the financial support of European Commission’s DG External Relations.

Developed in 2004, the ENP provides a framework for the EU to work with neighbouring countries by offering support and financial assistance in exchange for the undertaking of reforms in line with European values. The hope is that these reforms lead to closer political and economic integration between the neighbouring state and the EU, contributing to a safe and stable European neighbourhood.

This workshop includes a one-day programme in Brussels followed by an intensive study tour to Ukraine. The briefing will examine the ENP’s state of play, the EU’s relations with Ukraine, as well as its political and economic dynamics through meetings, panel discussions, lectures and field visits. Participating reporters will be briefed by a wide range of sources featuring EU officials, diplomats, local authorities, civil society organisations, independent experts, NGOs and journalists.

Applications are open to EU professional working journalists

After gaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has gone from being one of the poorest Soviet republics to eventually reaching a double digit GDP growth rate due to its oil and gas resources. Economically, the country’s most important sectors are oil and gas – providing half of its GDP, as well as agriculture - bringing livelihood to just under half of the Azeri households.

Both sectors are indirectly linked to the most pressing environmental challenges facing Azerbaijan. Soil in the region was contaminated during Soviet-era cotton production and Caspian petroleum and petrochemicals industries have contributed to air and water problems.

For energy hungry Europe, Azerbaijan is interesting not only as an energy provider but also as a potential transit point for gas rich Central Asia. Through this briefing in Baku, 15 journalists will have the opportunity to discover in-depth a country that can play a crucial role in securing one of the cornerstones of the EU’s energy diversification policy.

This briefing is part of a European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) series of eight events organised with the financial support of European Commission’s DG External Relations.

Developed in 2004, the ENP provides a framework for the EU to work with neighbouring countries by offering support and financial assistance in exchange for the undertaking of reforms in line with European values. The hope is that these reforms lead to closer political and economic integration between the neighbouring state and the EU, contributing to a safe and stable European neighbourhood.

This workshop includes a one-day programme in Brussels followed by an intensive study tour to Azerbaijan. The briefing will examine the ENP’s state of play, the EU’s relations with Azerbaijan, as well as its political and economic dynamics through meetings, panel discussions, lectures and field visits. Participating reporters will be briefed by a wide range of sources featuring EU officials, diplomats, local authorities, civil society organisations, independent experts, NGOs and journalists.

Applications are open to EU professional working journalists