IPA launches network of journalists specialised in European integration

The Independent Press Association (IPA) has launched “The European Reporter” network, comprising journalists specialised in writing articles/reports on European integration subjects. The network brings together 12 reporters working in the local media, who were selected from the journalists participating in the introductive seminar on European integration which was held at IPA on February 1-2. According to IPA press release, by late February the members of the network will make a study trip to Romania where they will set partnership ties with their Romanian colleagues, who are specialised in European issues. They will learn first-hand about the stages followed by Romania in the European integration process. During the trip, IPA together with “eRomania Gateway” Association will organise a one-day training for the Moldovan journalists in Bucharest. They will be instructed in the field of EU’s online resources which can provide help in writing articles about the EU. The journalists will also visit the Ministry of European Integration, the Delegation of the European Commission in Romania, several newspapers and TV stations, and public organisations working in this field. During 2007, the members of the network will meet every month. Officials and independent experts, experienced in the implementation process of the Action Plan Moldova-EU, will be invited to discuss about the most important fields included in the Plan. In late November, “The European Reporter” will organise a videoconference which will allow establishing contact between the members of the network and the European officials in Brussels, who are familiarised with the implementation of the Action Plan Moldova-EU. The meetings of the network will be accessible for all the interested journalists working in the local or national media. “The European Reporter” Project – a network of local journalists specialised in the European integration issues, is implemented by IPA with the support of Soros Foundation Moldova within the frameworks of the “European Initiatives” Programme.