The European Journalism Training Association (EJTA) is a formal network of authorized European journalism training institutes. The network has about 80 members from approximately 30 different European countries to date. The non-profit organisation was founded in Brussels in 1990.
The most important aim of the Association is to stimulate European co-operation in journalism education between universities and lifelong learning institutions, and to develop and to improve journalism education in Europe. Each year in October EJTA has its Annual General Meeting (AGM) together with thematic seminar. In May, EJTA organizes the Teachers’ Training. Both events are organized at one of the member institutions.
Apart from live meetings EJTA organises online talks during which members discuss important topics in journalism teaching and training.
Activities and Objectives of the Association
editThe Association:
- Organises trainings and seminars to encourage discussion about the important questions of the journalistic profession and its training problems;
- Stimulates long and medium term exchanges of students and lecturers;
- Organises research at a European level on important issues in journalism training;
- Represents its members and defends their interests in contacts with institutional partners, such as the European Commission, UNESCO, and associations of journalists and editors;
- Arranges joint practical exercises and international programmes, projects, and task forces; EUfactcheck, Inclusive Journalism, Data Journalism & AI, Lifelong Learning, Sustainable EJTA.
Governance and Finances
editThe EJTA is a legal entity under Dutch law, with its office located in Mechelen.
The EJTA is led by a five-member board, with members elected at the AGM for up to three two-year terms, emphasizing geographical diversity as an important criterion. Currently, the board members are Anne Leppäjärvi, Finland (President); Carien J. Touwen, Netherlands (Vice-president); Tiko Tsomaia, Georgia; Cristina Nistor Beuran, Romania; and Will Cope, United Kingdom. The EJTA also has a part-time, salaried director, Nadia Vissers from Belgium, who is responsible for the daily management in collaboration with the board.
The association’s income mainly derives from membership fees. To finance the different activities, the Board also seeks funding from various (European) institutions such as the European Commission, the Council of Europe and on other programmes such as Erasmus+.
Genesis and Goals: Tartu Declaration
editThe Tartu Declaration is EJTA’s competencies framework for students of journalism, outlining 10 main competencies, each with 5 qualifications. This detailed analysis of what journalism students should be taught serves as an international standard for Journalism education and accreditation and has been used as a benchmark by other organisations around the world, including UNESCO. It was created by EJTA experts and is recognized by all EJTA members (as stated in the application questionnaire). Every member must sign and implement this declaration.
The framework received its name when it was adopted by EJTA during the AGM in 2006 in Tartu. It was revised in 2013 and 2020 and will be updated to address new teaching needs arising from media and journalism developments in 2026-2027.
Mobility Catalogue
editThe EJTA Mobility Catalogue is a reference list of all English-language journalism and media programs from EJTA member schools for international exchange and degree-seeking students. By compiling all relevant links, it aims to serve as a convenient tool for finding exchange programs for journalism students.