This ongoing project is playing a key role in increase the understanding of the role European Union and its institutions among media professionals in the European Neighbourhood Policy Initiative area (ENP).
The project allows media professionals from across the region to observe the work of the European institutions first-hand and to develop skills on reporting on issues of importance to the EU such as climate change, conflict, migration, energy and so on. Participants attend training events each lasting 3-5 days. Journalists are briefed on EU policies, structure and decision-making, how to get information, who to ask what and when and how to establish links to the EU. Participants meet top EU and governmental officials in specifically-designed briefing sessions, roundtable discussions and attendance at press conferences and specialised media events. Journalists are given opportunities to interact (formally and informally) with colleagues from East and South that allow opportunities for discussion of diverse opinions on current issues the EU and its institutions are facing. The project focuses on open debate, information tools and sources, and interaction with colleagues has encouraged productive working relations across the region.