Former Vise President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas, offered insights regarding the newly emerging media landscape in Brussels, in an interview with Politico. Schinas expressed views related to the appearance of Hungary-related outlets in Brussels and the growing challenges posed by social media platforms attempting to limit news verifications.
Addressing concerns over whether journalists in Brussels are politically shifting towards the Right, Schinas iterated that in his view the media in Brussels reflect the changing political reality in Europe, adding that this is neither a deliberate shift to the right (or left). “It’s more an adjustment to new circumstances. This development highlights the importance of Brussels and proves that EU policies are substantive,” he noted.
Regarding the recent emergence of Hungary-connected media outlets in Brussels, he claimed that this just confirms the fact that the EU is seen as a crucial battlefield for ideas and influence. These outlets, he highlighted, are part of a broader trend where national political players are trying to shape the narrative in Brussels.
However, he stressed that plurality can strengthen the debate provided that everyone plays by the same journalistic rules, adding that any outlet consistently broadcasting a one-sided narrative “won’t have long-term impact”.
On the topic of social media’s role in news verification, Schinas emphasized the significant role of journalists at a time when social media platforms like Twitter, now under Elon Musk‘s ownership, are attempting to reduce news verification and content management.
He pointed out that journalists, now more than ever, have a greater responsibility to uphold standards of accuracy and analysis. Schinas further urged the media to counterbalance the echo chambers that social media platforms often create.
The former European Commission official said that the EU’s communication strategy is constantly evolving, with it adopting a more dynamic, direct approach, which means updating its facilities and resources, rapidly responding to disinformation. “The Commission and the EEAS are getting much better at this, far more than the EU’s critics think,” he claimed.
As for which is more important for EU institutions: Brussels-based media or national media, Schinas admitted that both are, but for different reasons. He added that the former set the tone within Brussels, influencing decision-makers, while national media shape public opinion and the political reality in member states. EU institutions need to bridge the two to remain credible, according to Schinas.
Finally, Schinas offered a nuanced perspective on the development of a genuine European public space. While he recognized the contributions of outlets like Politico, Euractiv, and Euronews in fostering a more interconnected European dialogue, he noted that the public discourse remains fragmented. “A truly European public discourse only appears twice a year: on Eurovision night and the Champions League final,” he quipped.
