With ever increasing populations, the availability of food and water is a growing concern for many countries. Overall, this briefing will focus on the EU’s response to fluctuating food costs and water shortages in developing countries. The programme will cover aid projects addressing these issues while additionally tackling relevant subjects such as the effect of the global financial situation on the food crisis. Furthermore hot topics such as land grabbing will discussed.

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.

The common agricultural policy of the EU is expected to change significantly within a few years time. Both budgetary constrains, environmental considerations and world trade rules make reform inevitable and the discussions on how to tackle this challenge is already under way.

The EJC is organising a two-day briefing for Irish journalists to shed some light on this topic. The event will take place in Brussels on 25 and 26 February 2010 and 15 reporters with a special interest in agriculture and rural development will visit to EU institutions and listen to stakeholders and experts in the field. The programme will allow participants to report home to their media during the visit.

The briefing is organised in cooperation with the Commission Delegation in Dublin and is open to Irish journalists only.

La Direction Générale Économie et Finances de la Commission Européenne et le Centre Européen de Journalisme organisent un séminaire en français pour une quinzaine de journalistes des pays de la zone euro du 2 au 5 mars 2010 à Bruxelles et Frankfort. Les participants auront l’occasion de rencontrer des experts et des membres des institutions européennes, des diplomates, ainsi que des chercheurs et analystes indépendants.

Les journalistes assisteront aussi à la traditionnelle conférence de presse mensuelle de la Banque Centrale Européenne suivie d’un rendez-vous exclusif avec le gouverneur de la BCE, Jean-Claude Trichet.

Voilà des décennies que l'Europe n’avait pas subi une crise économique et financière d'une telle ampleur, entraînant une forte contraction de l'économie.

Une action collective a été entreprise pour sauver le système financier, relancer la demande et restaurer la confiance grâce à l'intervention publique afin d'éviter un effondrement de l'économie. La crise a toutefois affaibli les résistances européennes.

Les tensions se multiplient dans la zone euro. Les divers plans de relance ont créé des divergences dans les taux d’intérêt, les déficits et les emprunts publics, ou les taux d’inflation. Comment amortir les chocs entre Etats, avec une monnaie unique? Cela peut-il aller jusqu’à la disparition de l’euro, au moins comme monnaie unique pour 16 pays ?

À cette question, les autorités financières de l’UE répondent « Non ! » tout en insistant sur le fait que la confiance dans la stabilité à long terme des finances est essentielle.

En choisissant d'organiser, le 11 Février à Bruxelles, une réunion spéciale sur la grande priorité du moment à savoir la relance de la croissance économique, les dirigeants de l’Union Européenne reconnaissent que l’Europe a besoin de davantage de croissance économique en vue de financer sur un fondement solide son modèle social et pour préserver le mode de vie européen.

Un tout nouveau "groupe de réflexion" sur l'avenir de l'UE, qui doit rendre son rapport en 2010, donnera des idées sur un projet de "gouvernement économique européen", visant à mieux coordonner les politiques économiques de l'UE.

Les ministres des Finances de l'Union européenne se sont mis d'accord en décembre pour mettre en place de nouvelles autorités de surveillance des services financiers.

De son côté la toute nouvelle équipe de commissaires européens se concentrera sur la nouvelle stratégie économique de l’UE pour les 10 ans à venir basée sur l’idée que la sortie de la crise doit être le point d'entrée dans une économie sociale de marché durable, une économie plus verte et plus intelligente et innovatrice.

For regional journalists: As the recovery of the global economy is still hanging on the balance, the European Commission is preparing successor to the Lisbon Strategy – the “Europe 2020” strategy – which aims for a smarter, greener and more innovative economy. The Strategy is to be adopted by the heads of state at the upcoming March and June European Councils.

Against this background, the European Journalism Centre organises the “Exiting the Crisis: Europe 2020” conference in cooperation with DG Communication of the European Commission. The event builds further on the EJC’s Covering the Crisis seminar that took place in Brussels last November.

With some 75 regional journalists from all the EU member states as participants, the March conference will address the future of European economic policy as well as new and original ways to cover news and current affairs relating to the economy.

The programme includes high-level speakers from the European Commission, the London School of Economics, Manchester and Amsterdam Universities, FT, the Lisbon Council and the Social Platform, and journalist guests from the Brussels press corps.

The first day is a full conference day at the main venue, Hotel Sofitel Brussels Europe. The second day the group is divided into three workshops: Covering EcoFin, Investigative Business Journalism and Data Mining Tools for Journalists.

Journalists taking part in the conference are to arrive in Brussels on Sunday 14 March for a two day programme on 15-16 March 2010. The organisers will cover all related expenses of the participants: travel, hotel, two lunches and one dinner. Welcome reception takes place at the Sofitel Brussels Europe Sunday evening.

The conference coincides with the March EcoFin Council, which the participants will have an opportunity to follow.

The conference languages are English and French.

For more information:
Raymond Frenken, Project Manager
frenken@ejc.net
+31.43.325.4030

In 2010 Syria marks the 10th year of Bashar al-Assad's Presidency. During this decade Syria has prioritised economic rather than political reform, working towards creating a ‘social market economy’ with reform measures that have included the liberalisation of banking, prices and trade. The challenges facing Syria in this process include coping with the social effects of the economic transition, as well as to maintain a strong economic growth and develop the non-oil sectors in the economy.

Today the EU is Syria’s largest donor and a keen supporter of their reform agenda. After years of putting the association agreement on hold, the EU made a move towards closer relationships with Syria in October 2009 by formally agreeing to proceed with the signature of the Association Agreement – Syria's agreement is still pending. A visit to Damascus, will offer 15 reporters further insight into the current situation in Syria and the state of EU-Syria relations.

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 Syria. The briefing will examine the ENP’s state of play, the EU’s relations with Syria, 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

This unique three-day workshop offers you the opportunity to brush up on your management techniques, test them in discussions and role-play, and find out how other managers deal with the challenge of motivating staff and running an efficient newsroom.

The practical workshop is run by Per Andersson, former editor of the Swedish Channel 1 news programme and a trainer in newsroom management since 1995, and it has been so successful that it is now a regular feature in the EJC's seminar programme.

The course trains managers in leadership techniques, coaching staff, organising a creative working environment that works efficiently and dealing with conflicts in the newsroom.

Editors spend enough time reading and they don't like lectures, says Per Andersson. All issues covered are based on practical situations and together we come up with solutions to the problems.

The course fee of Euro 1,500 includes access to all sessions on the three seminar days, 3 lunches and one welcome dinner.
Organisations that send more than one participant will receive a discount.

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

Over the course of four days journalists will have the opportunity to experience a case study of EU aid in practice. Through meetings and visits on the ground, reporters will get a first hand account of the EU’s development aid provided to Morocco. While there, the group will discover projects within a wide range of sectors; social, economic & environment as well as budget support.

Backed by the EC EuropeAid Co-operation Office, the European Journalism Centre is holding this intensive four-day briefing for EU journalists in Morocco. The agenda will include presentations and discussions with Moroccan officials, the EC Delegation as well as other relevant organisations.

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.

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

While the EU explores deeper within and across its borders there remains a strong interest to explore beyond these frontiers as well. The Space Exploration Conference in Prague on 23 October 2009 acknowledges the need for Europe to develop a common vision for space exploration.

The conference will provide a forum amongst key players to debate Europe's role in this global endeavor. For those who are interested in covering this subject, the one day event offers journalists the opportunity to attend discussions with institutional stakeholders from the EU and respective Member States, the European Space Agency, as well as representatives of third countries active in space cooperation.