Third Edition of the Training on Accession Negotiations at the College of Europe in Natolin Programme Launched to Strengthen Moldova’s Media Capacity on European Integration

The College of Europe in Natolin and The Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), with the support of the Soros Foundation Moldova (FSM), and in cooperation with the Bureau for European Integration of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, have officially launched the third edition of the TANCoEN programme -#Natolin4MediaInEU, this year dedicated to Moldovan media professionals and journalists.

Building on the success of the 2024 editions, which focused on civil servants and civil society representatives, the 2025 edition aims to equip Moldovan journalists with deeper knowledge and practical insights into the EU accession process, emphasizing Moldova’s negotiation framework, institutional structure, and the broader dynamics of EU enlargement.

The programme will engage 24 Moldovan media professionals through a blended learning format combining online training and interactive webinars, culminating in a study visit to the College of Europe in Natolin, Poland. Ten selected participants will take part in the on-site training, where they will meet with EU officials, Polish journalists, and academic experts to explore best practices in communicating complex European topics to the public.

In the first stage, journalists will avail digital learning opportunities, completing e-learning modules and taking part in a series of topical and tailored webinars to further build the understanding of the many-faceted process of European integration and Moldova’s participation therein. In the second stage, a group of participants will take part in an on-site training module, delivered at the College of Europe in Natolin, focusing on further strengthening the skills for objective reporting of European integration. 

Ms Ewa OŚNIECKA-TAMECKA, the Vice Rector of the College of Europe, noted in her opening remarks, that the College of Europe in Natolin is delighted to host the next edition of the Training on Accession Negotiations at the College of Europe in Natolin programme, building on the successes of the previous editions, and working with journalists, who have an extremely important role in translating the complex concept of European integration and reform into a narrative understandable by the society.

Deputy Secretary General of the Government of Moldova, Ms Rodica CRUDU, underlined that the programme comes at exactly the right time, as thanks to the expertise of the College of Europe in  Natolin participants will gain valuable insight into the accession negotiations, and their role is fundamental in informing accurately about European integration  and counteracting disinformation challenging public trust in the process.

Mr Iulian GROZA, the Executive Director of the Institute for European Policy and Reform (IPRE) highlighted that the programme prepared by the College of Europe in Natolin in partnership with IPRE will help bridge gaps in knowledge and connections with peers and will facilitate the participants’ stronger involvement in informing the society about the process of European integration of Moldova.

“The Soros Foundation Moldova constantly invests in the professional development of journalists, because a free, responsible and efficient press is indispensable for the functioning of an open society. In the context of the accession process to the European Union, the media has an essential role in debating reforms, monitoring public processes and maintaining an informed dialogue between institutions and citizens", - added Ms Daniela VIDAICU, Executive Director of the Soros Foundation Moldova.

The launch event was followed by the first thematic webinar, delivered by Mr Paweł SAMECKI, former European Commissioner for Regional Policies, former Deputy Minister of Finance of Poland and member of the Board of the National Bank of Poland. The session provided a comparative perspective on the transformation of Central European countries in the context of accession to the European Union and the relevant lessons for the European path of the Republic of Moldova.

By supporting Moldova’s media community, this initiative aims to promote accurate, balanced, and informed reporting on European integration, thereby reinforcing the role of journalism in fostering transparency and public trust throughout the EU accession process.

The programme "Training on Accession Negotiations at the College of Europe in Natolin: Strengthening media capacity on Moldova's EU accession process – #Natolin4MediaInEU" is implemented by the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), in partnership with the College of Europe in Natolin, with the support of the Soros Foundation Moldova.