BraveNews.eu is committed to the highest standards of journalism. Our editorial policies govern how we gather, verify, and publish news, ensuring rigorous transparency, fairness, and accuracy across all reporting.
Through original reporting, profiles, and analytical coverage, we examine the Brussels press corps—who they are, how they operate, and how European narratives are shaped. We treat the EU media ecosystem as a vital subject in its own right, distinct from gossip or public relations.
Core Principles and Guidelines
Commitment to Truth
We deliver complete, precise, and independent reporting to provide readers with accurate, essential context on European institutions, policy, and public life.
Transparency and Integrity
We maintain full openness regarding our editorial processes, institutional funding, and potential conflicts of interest. Any external funding, partnerships, or sponsorships linked to our coverage are explicitly disclosed.
Public-Interest Journalism
Our coverage of the media and policy landscapes focuses strictly on issues vital to European citizens, including democratic governance, tech policy, civil society, and community impact.
Fair and Respectful Reporting
Our journalism adheres to non-sensational, balanced standards designed for a broad, international readership.
Independence and Objectivity
BraveNews.eu operates entirely free from external control. Editorial decisions are never dictated by commercial, political, or institutional interests.
Service to the Public
We empower informed public discourse by providing reliable, highly contextualized, and accessible coverage.
Craftsmanship and Quality
We enforce strict professional protocols regarding sourcing, independent verification, clear attribution, and systematic fact-checking.
Protection of Minors
We observe rigorous ethical standards and comply fully with European and Belgian legal frameworks protecting minors. Any publication featuring images of minors requires explicit legal consent and due-diligence verification.
Newsroom Policies & Operating Standards
Unnamed Sources Policy
Bravenews.eu prioritizes strict verification and the public interest, operating under the Belgian Act of 7 April 2005 on the Protection of Journalistic Sources and the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). Source anonymity is an essential reporting tool reserved strictly as a last resort.
- Criteria for Use: Anonymous attribution is granted only when a source faces severe physical, professional, or legal retaliation, and the information is of vital public interest and unobtainable elsewhere. Unnamed sources are never deployed for personal attacks, speculation, or subjective opinion.
- Dual Sign-Off: Anonymous sources must be vetted and approved by an editor to ensure shared institutional accountability.
- Specific Attribution: We avoid vague attributions such as “sources say.” We provide readers maximum context regarding a source’s perspective without compromising their identity (e.g., “a senior EU official not authorized to speak publicly”).
- Corroboration: Information provided by a single unnamed source must be independently verified through documentary evidence or a second, independent source.
No-Bylines Policy
As a two-person micro-outlet covering European affairs, we balance individual reporting with reporter safety and newsroom unity.
- Editorial Unity (“Bravenews Staff”): Routine updates, aggregated briefings, and deeply collaborative reporting carry the shared byline “Bravenews Staff,” reflecting our collective responsibility for all published work.
- Safety & Threat Mitigation: In accordance with EU anti-SLAPP guidelines and Belgian protections for investigative journalists, an individual byline may be withheld or replaced with a staff line if publication exposes the reporter to credible risks of physical harm, targeted harassment, or legal intimidation.
- No Shield for Errors: Withholding an individual name does not reduce newsroom liability. Corrections, legal compliance, and standards of accuracy apply equally to all published material.
Diversity & Staffing Transparency
Bravenews.eu is a two-person newsroom based in Brussels. While our size precludes traditional corporate metrics, we publish our operational baseline annually in keeping with European transparency standards.
| Metric | Current Status (2 Journalists) | Newsroom Policy & Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Gender Balance | 50% / 50% | Equal representation commitment across all future hires |
| Language Capacity | English (Primary) | Reporting capacity extends to major EU and Belgian official languages |
| Freelancer Diversity | Applied to 100% of commissions | Diversity criteria prioritized for external assignments |
| Ownership Structure | 100% independent non-profit | Fully compliant with EMFA direct and indirect owner disclosure rules |
Actionable Feedback & Corrections
Independent journalism requires clear accountability to readers. We process public feedback through a dedicated, streamlined workflow:
- Fact-Checking & Corrections: Factual errors should be submitted to corrections@bravenews.eu. Validated errors are corrected within 24 hours. Updated articles feature a clear correction note at the top detailing what was altered, the original error, and the timestamp of the update.
- Right of Reply: In compliance with Belgian press law, any individual or entity directly cited or materially affected by a story retains the right to submit a formal response or clarification for editorial evaluation.
- Direct Access: Reader input reaches the reporting team directly without intermediary filters, ensuring feedback is reviewed daily to refine reporting, issue corrections, or address overlooked angles.
Newsroom Location & Contacts
BraveNews.eu
c/o Press Club Brussels Europe
Rue Froissart 95, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
Editorial enquiries: editor@bravenews.eu
Corrections & feedback: corrections@bravenews.eu
News tips, story ideas, or sensitive information can be shared securely via BraveNews.eu’s encrypted Hushline whistleblower portal or via WhatsApp/phone: +32 483 02 88 02.
Last updated: 31 August 2025