The Press Club Brussels Europe marked International Women’s Day on 9 March 2026 with a special breakfast discussion bringing together female journalists, diplomats and public affairs professionals to reflect on the challenges and opportunities faced by women working in Brussels’ international media and policy environment.
Held at the Press Club in the heart of the European quarter, the event gathered professionals from journalism, EU institutions, diplomacy and communications for an informal but thoughtful exchange on the role of women in shaping the Brussels conversation.
The breakfast also marked the first event of a special programme celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Press Club Brussels Europe, which will host a series of discussions throughout 2026 dedicated to the future of journalism, communication and media in Brussels.
Opening the event, Press Club President António Buscardini welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of launching the anniversary cycle with a conversation dedicated to women working in media and diplomacy.
The discussion was organised by Alia Papageorgiou, who took the lead in bringing together speakers and participants for a conversation focusing on professional challenges, career development and the evolving role of women in journalism and public affairs.
Participants also benefited from a short photography training session led by Anya Strelec, offering practical tips for journalists and communicators on visual storytelling and event coverage.
The morning was further marked by the brief presence of Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, who joined the group and shared a few words with participants, highlighting the importance of strong and independent journalism in times of global crises.
The International Women’s Day breakfast opens a broader anniversary cycle of events throughout 2026, during which members of the Press Club Board will host discussions on key topics affecting journalism and communication.
Upcoming events will address subjects such as independent media, the European Democracy Shield and its impact on journalism, freelance journalism, artificial intelligence and fake news, the challenges of African journalism, and communication within the Brussels policy ecosystem.
As the Press Club celebrates fifteen years of activity at the heart of the European capital, the anniversary programme aims to reinforce its role as a meeting place for journalists, communicators and media professionals working across Europe and beyond.
The next gathering in the anniversary cycle will take place in April with a Board meeting followed by a reception bringing together members and partners of the Press Club Brussels Europe.