EU-DIGEST

EU Communication and the media: allies or enemies?

The 'Europe in Vision' conference, to be held in Helsinki from 4-5 December 2006, is the third in a series of stakeholder conferences responding to Margot Wallström's White Paper on Communication. The conference is co-organised by the Finnish Presidency and will allow a number of media experts (editors, publishers, directors of print press, TV, radio and the new internet media) to comment on the Commission's plans to create a "European Public Sphere".

When Vice-President Wallström presented her White Paper in February 2006, there was an outcry from Brussels correspondents because a leaked draft had included the idea that the EU should set up its own press agency by upgrading the existing service 'Europe By Satellite'. Although Mrs Wallström has, on several occasions, publicly stated that there are no plans for an EU press agency as such, certain media remain doubtful because in other debates in Brussels (such as during a recent conference organised by the Economic and Social Committee), the idea has resurfaced.

Comment EU-Digest:The 'Europe in Vision' conference, to be held in Helsinki from 4-5 December is an excellent avenue to explore a variety of issues as to how the press can play an active part in promoting a better understanding and unity within Europe.
The Finish hosts are to be commended for their support of this event. However, the location is not easily accessible to a large number of journalists. In addition it should be noted that an important event like this should not be by invitation only, but open to all journalist who can show the proper credentials. It would certainly provide more credibility to the final recommendations of the event. EU-Digest, which has an Internet readership of 3 million readers, considers events like these an important step in achieving a common understanding on the best ways to communicate the ideals of the European Union to the general Public.