As part of the Media Connect initiative, the EU Neighbours South programme, in partnership with the Maharat Foundation, hosted a training programme in constructive journalism. The initiative aims to empower young journalists and students to report not just on problems but also on viable solutions, promoting fact-based, solution-oriented journalism.

Eighteen participants from nine Southern Neighbourhood countries—Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, and Tunisia—took part in the programme. After completing four online sessions, the participants gathered in Brussels in November for the final leg: an immersive press trip between 19-22 November.  This experience included presenting their journalistic productions, visiting European institutions, attending the EU-funded European Journalism Agora, and celebrating talent at the TANDEM Media and DigiArt Awards.

On the first day, the participants began their journey with a collaborative activity to explore their shared experiences and diverse perspectives. This was followed by the presentation of their journalistic productions to representatives from DG Near and the Media Connect team. Certificates of participation were awarded to the group, marking their achievement in the programme. Later in the day, participants attended a workshop led by Matteo Salvai, Head of Media & Social Media at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy. They learned practical skills such as identifying the right contacts and effectively engaging with them and then had an informal coffee talk with Salvai and his team.

The second day offered a closer look at European institutions. Participants visited the Visitors’ Centre of the European Commission and attended a presentation from the Directorate-General for Communication, exploring the role of the Commission as the EU’s executive body. Georgiana Plesu from the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport, and Culture provided insights into EU programmes that support education and youth engagement in the Southern Neighbourhood. The third and fourth days were dedicated to the European Journalism Agora, where participants attended panel discussions, workshops, and networking events focused on the latest trends in journalism. They worked together in a joint student press room, producing content and applying their new skills in real-time.