The 2025 European Editors Forum, held on 27–29 October 2025 at the Silesia Museum in Katowice, Poland, was conceived as a space for reflection, exchange and collaboration among editors, journalists and media professionals from across Europe.
The central aim of the forum was to strengthen mission-driven, independent journalism by fostering deeper professional networks, encouraging the sharing of experiences, and jointly reflecting on how journalism can remain relevant, trusted and sustainable in an increasingly fragmented European public sphere.
At a time of heightened pressure on media across Europe – including political polarization, disinformation, technological disruption, economic instability and the direct impact of war and democratic backsliding – the forum sought to move beyond day-to-day newsroom urgency. Instead, it offered participants the opportunity to step back, discuss shared challenges, and collectively explore solutions that support quality journalism, public trust and editorial independence.
Topics Covered and Structure of the Forum
The three-day program combined keynote inputs, moderated discussions, open forums and practical workshops, balancing strategic reflection with hands-on learning and peer-to-peer exchange.
The forum opened with a keynote on the mission of journalism in the age of fragmentation, delivered by Dan Perry, an experienced international editor and media strategist. His intervention set the tone for the event by addressing the erosion of shared public spaces, the challenge of maintaining credibility, and the responsibility of journalism to provide context and meaning rather than simply content.
Thematic Discussions
Subsequent thematic discussions focused on key challenges facing European media today:
AI and new technologies in the newsroom
Beyond the clicks – trust and community building
Journalism in difficult times
In addition to these moderated discussions, the forum included an Open Forum designed as a participatory, non-hierarchical space. Sitting in a circle, participants openly discussed shared challenges such as burnout, funding insecurity, political pressure, shrinking newsrooms and maintaining editorial independence. This format encouraged honest exchange and reinforced a sense of shared purpose across borders.
The final day featured a practical closing workshop on digital organizing and small-donor fundraising for media organizations, focusing on concrete strategies for building reader-supported models, mobilizing communities, and strengthening long-term financial sustainability while maintaining trust and editorial integrity.
Profile of Participants
The forum brought together a diverse group of 25+ participants representing a wide range of European countries, media formats and professional roles. Participants included editors-in-chief, senior editors, journalists, correspondents, media consultants and representatives of journalism support organizations.
Importantly, the forum balanced established voices with younger professionals and emerging editors, creating space for intergenerational exchange. Participants also included individuals with expertise in trust standards, digital action, disinformation research and fundraising, enriching the discussions with perspectives beyond traditional editorial roles.
This diversity contributed to rich discussions grounded in real-world newsroom experience, while reinforcing the forum’s objective of strengthening a European-wide network of mission-driven media professionals.
Follow-up and Future-Oriented Activities
Beyond the formal program, a key outcome of the 2025 European Editors Forum was the strengthening of informal and professional networks among participants. Structured and unstructured networking moments – including shared meals, breaks and cultural activities – allowed participants to build trust and identify potential areas for cooperation.
Several follow-up intentions emerged during the closing discussions, including:
- Maintaining contact among participants through informal networks and existing professional platforms;
- Exploring possibilities for cross-border editorial cooperation, content exchange and joint projects;
- Sharing knowledge and tools related to audience engagement, trust-building and fundraising within participants’ respective organizations;
- Considering the European Editors Forum as a recurring platform for continued dialogue and peer support.
The forum thus served not only as a stand-alone event, but as a catalyst for longer-term collaboration and reflection. By reinforcing personal connections and shared values, it contributed to the broader goal of sustaining a resilient, independent and cooperative European media ecosystem.
Co-financed by the National Freedom Institute – Centre for Civil Society Development in the framework of the Civil Society Organisations Development Programme for 2018-2030 CSODev
