EditOf journalists and would-be despots: The EUalive story
“Why now?” The answer is simple yet profound: there’s no better time for journalism
Since launching EUalive.net, I’ve been immersed in Bulgaria, wrestling with IT gremlins to polish our fledgling website into a beacon of insight. Amidst the digital tinkering, two media outlets invited me to share the vision behind this venture. On 16 May, I joined Ilian Vassilev, the spirited founder of Alternativata, for a lively discussion. A week later, on 23 May Irina Nedeva of Bulgarian National Radio welcomed me to unpack EUalive’s mission. These conversations, brimming with curiosity, were a delight to navigate.
A question that never fails to surface is: “Why EUalive, and what’s with the eye logo?”
I often turn the query back on my hosts: “Is the EU alive in your view?” Responses vary – some declare the EU a corpse, others insist it’s dancing with vigor. My take? At EUalive, we’re the doctors checking the EU’s pulse daily, diagnosing its health with a journalist’s precision. As for the eye, I confess I was initially sceptical when our designer unveiled it. But then, inspiration struck: how do you confirm life? You shine a light to see if the pupil dances. Thus, the eye became our emblem – a watchful gaze ensuring the EU’s vitality isn’t taken for granted.
Another perennial question is “Why now?” The answer is simple yet profound: there’s no better time for journalism.
The world is a circus of chaos, and our region – stretching from the Eastern Frontier to the Mediterranean – is its volatile heart. Our stories thrive on protagonists larger than life, often teetering on the edge of dictatorship. These are not mere politicians but characters of operatic grandeur, wielding egos that could eclipse the sun. Some, like Turkey’s Erdoğan or Serbia’s Vučić, flirt openly with autocracy, dismantling checks and balances with a flourish. Even within the EU, Hungary’s Orbán plays the dictator’s tune, a contagious melody that tempts others.
And let’s not forget Trump, who, since reclaiming the White House, has turned global rules into a game of power poker, leaving international law and institutions like the UN in the dust. As journalists, we’re tasked with making sense of this glorious mess.
Consider the perils of unchecked power: dictators thrive on swift decisions, unburdened by consultation. Yet, this strength is their Achilles’ heel. Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine was a catastrophic solo act, while Macron’s snap dissolution of France’s assembly post-European elections – seemingly decided in splendid isolation – plunged his presidency into chaos. France may be a democracy, but its president’s monarchic flair recalls a 19th-century potentate, if not a dictator in waiting. At EUalive, we chronicle these dramas, weaving stories that capture the stakes and the swagger of our region’s protagonists.
How, then, does EUalive stand out? We’re not your typical Brussels-centric outlet, often aloof and steeped in stereotypes. Dubbed “The cooperative media startup,” we’re a tapestry of partnerships spanning Ukraine to Cyprus. Our virtual newsroom hums with voices from Kyiv, Athens, and beyond, each editor reading and amplifying stories that deserve a wider English-speaking audience. I feel a kinship with Sergiy Sydorenko in Kyiv or Spiros Sideris in Greece that surpasses any camaraderie with colleagues at neighboring desks. Our network is growing, a vibrant web expanding by the day.
The inevitable question of our business model arises, and here’s where we defy convention. EUalive believes free media is a public good, especially in turbulent times. We welcome EU funding – if available – without compromising our independence. No paywalls or pesky pop-ups will bar access; our content is for everyone, not just the affluent. For those moved to support us, a discreet bank number awaits on our homepage. Our social media savant recently shared that in just 20 days, we’ve reached 225,097 unique readers, with 575,501 impressions across posts and stories. Not bad for a newborn unicorn.
Why call ourselves a startup? Because we’re crafting a unicorn, not chasing someone else’s. Our optimism springs from innovation, not imitation. In a world of aspiring despots and crumbling norms, EUalive isn’t just reporting the news—it’s telling the story of a region at a crossroads, with a wink, a watchful eye, and an unyielding commitment to truth.
Cartoon by Veneta Gergova, the EUalive artist designer.
Updated: June 9, 2025 - 08:34
