From 3 to 9 July, the DG MENA’s programme EU Neighbours South is launching its first ever Media Week 2025 with a focus on the next generation of journalists in the Southern Neighbourhood. This initiative will bring together voices from across the region to explore how young media professionals are shaping the future of journalism beyond storytelling: through coaching, promoting constructive journalism, networking, and envisioning a new future for an ailing media sector. 

A breadth of content and sessions are planned during the Media Week, including: feature stories, a new edition of the Speak Up Cartoons! comic book, interactive online sessions on a range of topics, including constructive journalism and the dual challenge of being a woman media entrepreneur; as well as interviews featuring inspiring leaders and changemakers such as Princess Rym Ali and the Lebanese Minister of Information

A major highlight of the week is Newsroom Connect, a fast-paced, 48-hour editorial hackathon taking place simultaneously in seven countries: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. The events will bring together journalism students from the southern neighbourhood and Europe for a collaborative, cross-border newsroom experience. Working in teams, Media Connectors, journalism students and senior journalists will produce multimedia content that explores constructive solutions to key regional challenges, from climate change to access to education to youth employment, gender equality and social inclusion.

At the heart of Media Week is Media Connect — a dynamic regional network of emerging media professionals who are taking an active role in this significant event through content creation, training deliveries and event organisation at the country level. True to its mission, Media Week promotes constructive, ethical and high-quality journalism that serves the public interest and builds trust.

EU Neighbours South is the EU’s regional communication programme for the Southern Neighbourhood, led by the Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA). The programme aims to promote strong, lasting partnerships across the region based on mutual interest, shared prosperity and resilience.