Alice Stollmeyer
Executive Director of Defend Democracy and EU influencer
Alice Stollmeyer is the founder and Executive Director of Defend Democracy, an independent NGO working transatlantically. She works on issues related to democracy, security, technology and geopolitics, and has initiated monthly networking events for democracy defenders across the world.
With a background in philosophy and social studies of science, technology and society, in 2012 Alice founded her own consultancy @StollmeyerEU, which specialises in EU public affairs, political communications and digital advocacy. Alice has been ranked a top digital EU influencer ever since (#1 female digital EU influencer 2019 and 2020).
Brian Johnson
Managing Editor, the Parliament Magazine
Brian Johnson has been writing about EU politics for almost two decades. He began his journalistic career in Scotland before establishing the Dods Group office in Brussels. He launched the Parliament Magazine's flagship annual MEP awards, now in their 18th year, and successfully reoriented the magazine from a purely traditional print model to one that encompasses a multi-platform, digital approach.
Gardenia Trezzini
Editor, Euronews
Gardenia Trezzini is Editor-in-Chief for European Affairs at Euronews and the Head of Brussels bureau since 2019.
Previously Editor-in-chief News at Euronews' HQ in Lyon when she was responsible for overall editorial policy and coverage of events for the 24/7 news coverage in 12 languages.
Before joining Euronews, Gardenia worked for RAI, the Italian public broadcaster, reporting for several current affairs and lifestyle programmes.
@gardenews @euronews
Michiel van Hulten
Director of Transparency International EU
Michiel is Director of Transparency International EU, the Brussels office of the global movement against corruption. He is a former official, politician and consultant with over 20 years' experience of EU policy, campaigns and communications. From 1999 to 2004 he was a Member of the European Parliament. Throughout his career, Michiel has specialised in issues around democracy, transparency, accountability and citizenship.
Silja Markkula
President, European Youth Forum
The European Youth Forum is the platform of youth organisations in Europe. They represent over 100 youth organisations, which bring together tens of millions of young people from all over Europe. Silja, as President, is devoted to advancing youth rights, and has for the past few years put her time and energy into supporting European youth organisations in engaging with various human rights processes. Since she was 11 years old, she has been active in the Guides and Scout movement and various Finnish youth organisations and has a background in the Finnish National Youth Council - Allianssi.