© European Union 2025 — Source: EP — Photo by: Alain ROLLAND
AEJ Conference 2025
Brussels, 13–15 November
About the Conference
Welcome to the 2025 conference of the Association of European Journalists, an organization founded in 1962 on the belief that a unified media voice is essential for Europe’s future. From its beginnings with 70 journalists from six nations, defending press freedom remains as urgent as ever. We gather in Brussels as a network of over 15 national sections, carrying forward this legacy of collaboration and ethical journalism.
Recent developments like the European Media Freedom Act mark a significant new chapter and during the Conference discussions will therefore center on navigating this new landscape, combatting misinformation, and upholding the rights of journalists.
We are honoured to be joined by leading voices who will share their insights and experiences.
Recent developments like the European Media Freedom Act mark a significant new chapter and during the Conference discussions will therefore center on navigating this new landscape, combatting misinformation, and upholding the rights of journalists.
We are honoured to be joined by leading voices who will share their insights and experiences.
Recent developments like the European Media Freedom Act mark a significant new chapter and during the Conference discussions will therefore center on navigating this new landscape, combatting misinformation, and upholding the rights of journalists.
We are honoured to be joined by leading voices who will share their insights and experiences.
Speakers
The European Ombudsman – Keynote Speaker
She was sworn in as European Ombudsman on 27 February 2025, following her election by the European Parliament in December 2024. As European Ombudsman, she is responsible for investigating maladministration within the institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies of the European Union.
Director, European Federation of Journalists
Renate Schroeder is Director of the European Federation of Journalists in Brussels.
Co-Founder of the Sphera Network and Associate Director of Development at Médianes
Born in Milan and based in Paris, she is an Associate Development Director at Médianes and co-founder of the Sphera Network, where she guides media with social impact through strategic transformation.
Sphera started as an EU funded project and it is a network of independent media offering several options: video reports and features, podcasts, social media content and events across the continent. Sphera presents a more humane and socially-engaged cross-border European journalism.
Sphera started as an EU funded project and it is a network of independent media offering several options: video reports and features, podcasts, social media content and events across the continent. Sphera presents a more humane and socially-engaged cross-border European journalism.
Prize-winning Photojournalist and Visual Storyteller
Prize-winning photojournalist and visual storyteller experienced in worldwide photographic and video productions in the fields of storytelling, editorial, commercial and advocacy, with expertise in high-end projects in Europe, Asia and Africa.
Museum Director of The House of European History
Constanze Itzel has been director of the House of European History in Brussels since 2017. She helped create the museum as an adviser and curator from 2009 to 2017. Her PhD thesis explores the impact of the late medieval image debate on art. Constanze has worked as a teaching assistant at the University of Heidelberg and as a curator at the Badisches Landesmuseum in Karlsruhe, and has been a freelancer and intern in five other museums in Germany and France. Since 2005, she has worked in Brussels, first as a researcher and later as a committee administrator for the Committee on Culture and Education of the European Parliament, and then on the House of European History.
The Programme
Thursday, November 13
- Welcome reception at Press Club Brussels Europe (optional)
Friday, November 14 – Conference (Info Hub at the European Parliament)
- 08:00–10:00 Breakfast and/or arrival in Brussels
- 11:00 Keynote Speech (European Ombudsman)
- 11:30–13:00 Panel on the State of journalism in Europe (including coffee break)
- 13:00-13:30 Case study National Geographic
- 13:30-15:00 Break
- 15:00 Visit the House of European History (House of European History)
- 19:00 Gala dinner at Mont des Arts – AEJ Members Only (VisitBrussels)
Saturday, November 15 – General Assembly (AEJ Members Only – Press Club Brussels Europe)
- 09:00–13:00 General Assembly
- 13:00 Lunch and start Leisure program
Sunday, November 16
- Leisure program (optional)
Venues
Press Club Brussels Europe
Rue Froissart 95, 1040 Brussels
The location for the welcome reception and the General Assembly
© European Union 2020 – Source: EP – Reference: EP-103731A
Photographer: Daina Le Lardic
Photographer: Daina Le Lardic
European Parliament – Info Hub
Rue Wiertz 60, 1047 Bruxelles
The most suitable place for a Conference about Journalism and Europe
© European Union 2020 – Source: EP – EP-103202A
Photographer: Daina Le Lardic
Photographer: Daina Le Lardic
House of European History
Rue Belliard 135, 1040 Bruxelles
Guided tour with welcome word by director Constanze Itzel
Mont des Arts – Salle des Guichets (Visit.Brussels)
Rue Royale 2-4, 1000 Bruxelles
The location for the Gala dinner
Hotel Options
Option 1: Accommodations between €100 and €130 per night
Penta Hotel Brussels City Centre
Modern hotel near Avenue Louise. Standard amenities including flexible check-in, on-site restaurant, Green Key certified.
Modern hotel near Avenue Louise. Standard amenities including flexible check-in, on-site restaurant, Green Key certified.
Radisson Hotel Brussels Centre Midi
Close to major transport links. Standard rooms, reliable facilities.
Close to major transport links. Standard rooms, reliable facilities.
Option 2: Accommodations between €80 and €100 per night
La Troupe Grand Place
Central hostel with private rooms. Functional accommodation.
Central hostel with private rooms. Functional accommodation.
Urban City Centre
Basic hostel with central location.
Basic hostel with central location.
We are working to provide a discount price on the above special prices, however please use the above options if you can. We will update this section with the latest information we have.
Leisure Options
Brussels and Belgium have a lot to offer and Dirk Vandereyken (Board member AEJ Belgium) is our “Belgian ambassador”. He has selected several options for your visit. If you have any questions, feel free to contact him directly:
Email: dirk@badass.be | Phone: +32 494 38 27 44 | LinkedIn profile
First selection of suggestions
- Belgian Beer World (Visit website)
- Museum Magritte / Museums in the park (Museum Magritte) (Museums in the Park)
- Brugge (Visit Brugge)
- Gent (Visit Gent)