Standing with Ukraine, High-Level Meetings and Cultural Exchange at Maison du MédiaLab – February 2026

1.  Four Years of Resistance, a commemoration reception in solidarity with Ukraine

On February 26, Europe MédiaLab, in partnership with Promote Ukraine, hosted a commemoration reception in solidarity with Ukraine. The event paid tribute to the civilians, soldiers, and journalists who have lost their lives over the past four years of war. The evening was opened by Europe MédiaLab’s Partnership Director, Aliaksandr Babiy, who welcomed guests. After a minute of silence, different speakers delivered some statements:

• Belgium’s Minister of Defence, Theo Francken, reaffirmed Belgium’s strong support and solidarity with Ukraine. He also visited the borscht museum exhibition displayed at the Maison.
• Alberto Fernández Díez, Member of the Cabinet of Marta Kos (Commissioner for Enlargement), highlighted that EU enlargement is not only an economic process, but also a commitment to democracy and fundamental rights for Ukraine. He highlighted the notable role of Ukrainian correspondents in Brussels. 
• Inga Yakymenko, a Ukrainian refugee in Brussels and founder of the Ukrainian Cultural Space, shared her personal story and her work promoting Ukrainian culture at the heart of the EU.

Marta Barandiy, founder of Promote Ukraine, highlighted the importance of maintaining ongoing support for Ukraine and providing continued assistance to refugees.

Following the speeches, Lana Herasymenko, a violinist from the Donetsk region,  a refugee and musician at the Royal Conservatoire of Brussels, performed in honour of her country. The event was also joined by Darya Safai, Member of the Belgian Parliament and a prominent voice in Belgium’s Iranian pro-democracy movement, reminding attendees that the fight for dignity and freedom has no borders. This gathering served especially to thank Ukrainian journalists who continue to report on the war, both from within Ukraine and from Brussels. 

2. Maison du MédiaLab correspondents’ study visits continue in Brussels

The new wave of correspondents is now settled in Brussels, but the study visits continue!On February 2, the visits began with a session at NATO, where journalists gained insights into reporting on the transatlantic alliance and engaging directly with its Press Officers. They also received an overview of NATO’s relationships with their  countries.

On February 3, the group visited the Permanent Representation of Sweden to the EU. As support for independent media is a central pillar of Sweden’s long-term commitment to democracy, discussions focused on EU enlargement, Russia’s war against Ukraine, disinformation, resilience, and related issues.

On February 25, the journalists visited the French Representation to the European Union. There, they met Christelle Delrieu, Adviser for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Rémy Tirouttouvarayane, Spokesperson. Discussions focused on France’s security and foreign policy in their countries, as well as broader economic and political ties with correspondents’ countries.

3. Europe MédiaLab Met Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili (2018-2024) in Brussels

On February 19, Europe MédiaLab team had the honour of meeting Salome Zourabichvili, President of Georgia (2018-2024), in Brussels on the margins of the European Democracy Support Annual Review 2025. The team presented the Maison du MédiaLab programme, highlighting its efforts to support independent Georgian media and facilitate the presence of correspondents in Brussels, the capital of the EU and NATO. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange views on a shared commitment to strengthening independent media and upholding democratic values across Eastern Europe.

4. Europe MédiaLab will appear in the new podcast of Europod!

Affaires Européennes (European Affairs) is Europod’s new weekly podcast dedicated to in-depth analysis of European affairs. Each episode will feature a professional engaged in European politics, offering insight into the strategic issues shaping the EU’ s current agenda. Europe MédiaLab will be part of this project. Its founder, Christophe Leclercq, will serve as a guest host for three episodes, exploring the media ecosystem in Brussels, advocating for Trusted European Platforms, and examining the connections between Western and Eastern European media. The first episode has already been released. 

5. Ukrainian Book club at Maison du MédiaLab 

On 22 February, Maison du MédiaLab again hosted the book club of the Ukrainian Cultural Space, one of Maison’s partners. The discussion focused on “The Gaze of Medusa. A Little Book of Darkness” by Lyubko Deresh, a multi-voiced story about the trauma of war and a journey to the distant shores of the unconscious. The gathering of those passionate about Ukrainian literature showed again how culture can help in creating synergies, dialogue and resistance.

6. Charity Concert in memory of the victims of Russian military aggression against Ukraine

On February 24, a commemorative concert was held at the Church of Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon. This charity concert, held in memory of the victims of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, also marked four years since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, years defined by profound loss, mass displacement, and remarkable resilience. All funds raised were donated directly to support Ukraine’s first mobile hospital.

Correspondents’ updates (current residents only, while former residents continue their independent coverage)

Lusine Vardanyan

CivilNet (Armenia)

This month, Lusine Vardanyan examined how the issue of Armenians detained in Azerbaijan has been addressed at  EU level. She also interviewed Tigran Balayan, Armenia’s Ambassador to the European Union.

Tamta Nachkebia

Publika (Georgia)

In February, Tamta Nachkebia asked Kaja Kallas about possible sanctions against the port of Kulevi in Georgia. She also interviewed MEP Nacho Sanchez Amor(S&D) about  the repressive legislation of the Georgian Dream Party. 

Nicoleta Botnaru

Diez.md

(Moldova)

Carina Muller

TVR Moldova

(Moldova)

Tetiana Mykhalonok

Hromadske Radio

(Ukraine)

Nino Chichua

Netgazeti

(Georgia)

Arriving in April

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