EUobserver, the independent online media covering European Union affairs, on Tuesday (16 February) announced that it is joining journalist-owned Slovak publishing house Denník N, in a bid to strengthen its long-term sustainability, resilience, and capacity for growth — while fully preserving its editorial independence.
Founded in 2000, EUobserver has reported on EU politics and policy from Brussels for over 25 years. After operating independently as a Belgian non-profit organisation, the publication will now continue its mission as a Belgian limited company, EUO, owned by Denník N.
“This is a step taken to ensure that EUobserver can do what it has always done — independent, critical journalism about Europe,” said EUobserver founder Lisbeth Kirk. “We are joining a publisher that shares our values and has a proven track record of protecting editorial independence.”
Denník N was founded in 2014 by a group of journalists who left Slovakia’s largest daily after its takeover by an oligarch. Today, it is one of central Europe’s most-respected independent media groups, publishing multiple subscription-funded titles in Slovak, Czech and Hungarian, with newsrooms of over 200 journalists in Prague and Bratislava. Around 80 percent of Denník N is owned by its journalists and staff.
EUobserver is Denník N’s first expansion into English-language journalism. As publisher, Denník N will provide financial backing, technological infrastructure, and strategic expertise to support EUobserver’s transition toward a more sustainable, reader-revenue-based business model. This includes access to Denník N’s self-developed subscription technology and experience in building profitable, independent newsrooms.
“Denník N and EUobserver already share a fierce commitment to independence, speaking truth to power, and loyalty to readers above all,” said Tomáš Bella, co-founder of Denník N, who joins EUobserver as CEO.
“Building on Denník N’s experience in technology and subscriptions, we believe EUobserver can bring independent journalism in English to many more readers across Europe,” Bella said.
Editorial cooperation between EUobserver and Denník N’s newsrooms will also enable closer reporting links between Brussels and central and eastern Europe, strengthening coverage in both directions.
EUobserver’s editorial independence remains fully intact. All staff remain in place, and editor-in-chief Elena Sánchez Nicolás continues to hold full responsibility for editorial decisions.
“EUobserver will continue its watchdog-style journalism, reporting independently on EU institutions, power, and policy, while bringing stories from central and eastern Europe closer to the Brussels Bubble,” Sánchez Nicolás said.
For readers, subscribers and commercial partners of EUobserver, there are no immediate changes to access, pricing, or content.
Contacts:
- Elena Sánchez Nicolás (Editor-in-chief): esn@euobserver.com
- Tomáš Bella (CEO): tb@euobserver.com
New publisher of EUobserver.com:
EUO BV, Résidence Palace, Rue de la Loi 155, 1040 Brussel, BE 1033.251.720
EUobserver is currently looking for a newsroom intern and a social media intern. More information about internships here.
