Brussels, 18/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - About a hundred journalists from all over Europe gathered at the European Parliament on 16 October for the first day of the “European Youth Media Days” (16-18 October). The objective of this event - now organised for the fifth time - is to allow young people who have chosen the profession of journalism to question each other and exchange their opinions about their role on the European scene. Two big discussions were organised - the first entitled “The role of the media in explaining the crisis” and the second, “The future of Europe and the euro. What cost democracy?”
The discussions on the origins of the economic crisis in Europe digressed to the role of journalists in general when they relay information to the public. Do journalists have a role to play in relaying a positive image of the European Union, or must they defend themselves from being instruments manipulated by the institutions, and assert themselves critically? Opinions were divided. The discussions also raised the issue of political and economic training for journalists, and especially the need to be trained continually in financial issues, in view of the crisis which is dragging on and in view of the complexity of the subjects. Lastly, the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union also aroused interest. According to one journalist from The Daily Telegraph, a message of encouragement to the citizens should be seen in this, so that they can remember in these times of crisis and of social questioning in some of the member states that are particularly affected, how much the European Union has worked on the stability of the continent, conveying a message of peace among the peoples. (IL/transl.fl)