Hosted by MEP Nadja Hirsch (ALDE Group)

Following the EU Elections in May, it will be clear if online platforms were used to influence the outcome. Newly elected MEPs will have the opportunity to review the future strategy of the EU media sector, ensuring its sustainability and support to democracy. 

The current EU priority of a ‘’Digital Single Market’’ has not prevented disinformation and populism, nor the demise of many media. More can be done. Now is a chance to propose a new “top 10 priority” that MEPs and the incoming Commission can support. It could be endorsed by the next President and then re-emphasised at the Commissioners’ hearings. A draft formulation of this priority could be: Democracy in a digital world: sound platforms and independent media. 

The EU can facilitate the ecosystem of platforms, media sector and advertising. This will help level the playing field and safeguard the right to expression. 

Europe’s media sector is facing unprecedented challenges. The credibility and viability of quality journalism, and the sustainability of the media sector as a whole are at stake:

– What are the lessons learned from the 2014-2019 mandate?
– Did the EU Elections campaign provide new insights? 
– How can policymakers best regulate the platforms? Is a ‘carrot’ or ‘stick’ approach more desirable?
– What role can the online platforms play to contribute to a healthy EU media sector?
– If public trust in the media sector is destroyed, what are the implications for the EU’s social fabric?
– Which policy mix is required for 2019-2024?

SPEAKERS

WELCOME REMARKS

Nadja Hirsch MEP & Christophe Leclercq, Fondation EURACTIV 

KEYNOTE SPEECH

Ann Mettler, Head of the European Political Strategy Centre

PANEL 1 – Media ecosystem: balancing media / ads / platforms

Nadja Hirsch MEP
Ines Pohl, Editor in Chief , Deutsche Welle
Media strategic partner 

PANEL 2 – Media funding: innovation / skills / transparency

Siegfried Muresan MEP, European Parliament
Giuseppe Abbamonte, Media Policy Director, DG CNECT, European Commission 
Erika Widegren, Re-imagine Europa
Max von Abendroth, Director, DAFNE – Donors and Foundations Networks in Europe, and Initiator of the ‘Future Media Lab’