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The Investigative Reporters Network
Europe (IRENE) is a consortium of investigative journalists
in
several European
countries. Although some of them are independent reporters and others
hold regular jobs at magazines, broadcasting companies and newspapers,
they work together on European projects.
Their
aim is to investigate European topics that too often escape the attention of
the media. The national media
maintain correspondents in the Belgium capital and at EU-summits to keep
readers and viewers informed on the latest political moves in the EU.
And they pick up on EU-legislation by describing the effects on the
national situation.
But the first stage, the long and shadowy path to legislation,
seems not to get the attention it deserves. It is here that the
course of things can still be influenced. And it is here that it
is easiest to get the European civilians involved. The debate is
important to bring the European civilians closer to the European policy
makers.
There is much more to explore than the quarrels and fraud in the
European commission. Especially topics that concern the everyday life of
Europeans have our attention: health(-care), environment,
food production and -safety, crime, education, immigration,
transportation and work(-place). Topics with a strong European ring to
it.
The
way we work together in different countries, gives us an insight in the
differences and above all, the similarities between the European
countries. From this common ground we extract our ideas for projects.
The goal of IRENE is not (mainly) to disclose scandals, but to reach a better understanding of complex issues, and to influence the opinions of European politicians and civilians alike.
The word ‘investigative’ in our name refers to the thoroughness of our work and the use of modern investigative techniques, like Computer-Assisted Reporting (CAR). We focus on original documents and independent experts for proof and argumentation. And we practice high ethical standards regarding the protection of sources and the effects of publication.