Brussels, November 15, 2025 – The Association of European Journalists concluded its General Assembly in Brussels, electing its Board and outlining an ambitious vision for strengthening independent journalism across Europe.
Leadership for 2025-2026
The Assembly elected its leadership through a democratic vote, with delegates from multiple national sections participating:
President: Arber Hitaj
Secretary-General: Cătălin-Teodor Dogaru
Treasurer: Ivan Brada
Vice-Presidents: Javier Martín Domínguez (Spain), Irina Nedeva (Bulgaria), Otmar Lahodynsky (Austria)
The strong mandate reflects confidence in AEJ’s direction and commitment to defending press freedom and quality journalism throughout Europe.
Audit Committee
The following members were appointed to serve on the Audit Committee, responsible for financial oversight and reporting verification:
- Vasiliki Ntoufexi,
- David Worsfold,
- Tim Ryan,
- Aida Topalli,
- Javier Arribas
Arbitration & Conciliation Committee
The committee composition was confirmed at seven members in accordance with the Statutes. This committee addresses internal disputes and facilitates resolution between members or sections:
- Brindușa Armanca,
- Maria Gjikoka,
- Harry Di Prisco,
- Eileen Dunne,
- Charles Jenkins,
- Marta Jancarova,
- Pedro Gonzales
Organisational Representatives
The Assembly appointed specialised representatives to serve as focal points for key organisational functions:
- Brussels Representative: Wytze VanderGaast
- Media Freedom Representative: Irina Nedeva
- Integration Representative: Lena Kyropoulos
Strategic Vision: “2026 – Stronger Together, More Connected, More Relevant”
Secretary-General Cătălin-Teodor Dogaru presented a forward-looking strategy centred on three key priorities:
Media Freedom Advocacy
Strengthening AEJ’s role in defending press freedom across Europe through partnerships with the Council of Europe and participation in monitoring and rapid response systems that protect journalists facing threats, harassment, or legal intimidation.
Thought Leadership in Artificial Intelligence
Positioning AEJ at the forefront of journalism’s response to AI technologies. As generative AI transforms media production, AEJ will lead discussions on maintaining journalistic integrity, protecting copyright, and establishing ethical frameworks for AI use in newsrooms.
Engaging the Next Generation
Developing comprehensive programs to support young journalists entering the profession, ensuring they are equipped to uphold press freedom and democratic values in an increasingly complex media environment.
Pan-European Cooperation
The Assembly brought together journalists from Belgium (host country), Spain, Greece, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Romania, Austria, Italy, Ireland, Slovakia, France, Hungary, and Albania, demonstrating AEJ’s role as a bridge between national journalistic communities and a forum for addressing shared challenges.
President Arber Hitaj emphasised the importance of unity in his closing remarks: “European journalism faces unprecedented challenges – from disinformation to attacks on press freedom, from economic pressures to technological disruption. AEJ’s mission has never been more relevant. We move forward stronger together, more connected, and more committed to the values that underpin quality journalism and a democratic society.”
About AEJ
The Association of European Journalists brings together professional journalists from across Europe committed to defending press freedom, promoting quality journalism, and strengthening European integration through informed public discourse. Founded in 1963, AEJ operates through national sections in multiple European countries.
