On 9th July the students participating in the Erasmus + EU Demos project visited the newsroom of Euractiv in Brussels. During their tour, they met working journalists engaged on European policy issues and learned first-hand what daily life in a newsroom looks like.
Founded in 1999, Euractiv is a pan‑European, independent media network focused on EU affairs. It covers upstream policy debates across eight thematic hubs – such as Economy, Energy, Health, Politics, and Transport – and provides coverage without taking sides. Its flagship daily newsletter The Capitals features stories from every EU capital, coordinated by local correspondents who contribute angles relevant to their regions.
At the newsroom, students asked thoughtful questions about a journalist’s typical working day. They learned how morning editorial meetings determine the news of the day, and how stories are edited to fit Euractiv’s style standards for clarity and neutrality. The students discovered that multitasking is the norm-journalists juggle tasks such as writing original pieces, editing submissions from national partners, and fact‑checking in real time. They also heard about the fast‑paced, international environment that defines Euractiv’s team in Brussels through the speeches given by Deborah and Rosa, both working at Euractiv.
During the EU Demos summer school held in Brussels, students from Poland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece shared their impressions about a week that combined education, cultural exchange, and new friendships.
Erik from Warsaw, Poland, attending Adam Mickiewicz High School No. …
Beyond the editorial side, attendees got insights into the backend of Euractiv’s operations – from newsletter management and office workflow to the human element of running a news network. They were told how administrative staff, HR, and coordinators support the newsroom to keep it efficient and responsive to EU policy shifts and breaking developments.
The visit gave the EU Demos students a comprehensive view of the newsroom in action – from planning, sourcing, and writing stories to the challenge of delivering balanced, timely content on Europe’s most pressing policy debates. It was an inspiring window into what it means to be a journalist in the heart of European affairs – and perhaps a launchpad for some future careers in EU journalism.
