Xavier Bouckaert
EBM President
European Business Press was founded almost 60 years ago in Como, a small and elegant Italian city. In 1962, the consequences of World War II were still present physically and psychologically in every country. A group of publishers of business press showed determination to create a common spirit of respect and cooperation and to contribute to the idea of a united Europe when such idea seemed like a distant dream. Technology and freedom of travel were profoundly different than today therefore it was more difficult to make that spirit grow but the EBP founding partners and the publishers that joined in later succeeded in making the EBP one of the most representative pan European associations.
The role of EBP is even more important in a time when European Union, and the principles on which it was founded, are losing momentum. Current challenges for business media are remarkably different today but not less difficult than in 1962. Business climate is rather discouraging. Most of traditional advertisers in business newspapers are facing a serious crisis. At the same time, a growing concentration of banks and corporations potentially threatens the competition and with it everything that free press stands for.
Besides through press the information today are spread through TV, radio, web, mobile devices, tablets and social networks. Quality journalism requires continuous investment however the new media lower the entry barriers and open the opportunity for new players. Despite the fact that everybody can be a journalist today the EBP must aim for higher professional standards in publishing industry. EBP is a network of professionals that interact continuously in order to share ideas, look for new opportunities or just seek second opinions on how to solve strategic or operational problems.
Our door is open to new members, from print business publications to websites and business TV or radio channels.
Slobodan Sibincic
EBM Secretary General
Where 25 countries meet …
European Business Media counts 37 leading European business publications and services from 33 publishing groups representing 25 countries.
The aim of EBM was to contribute to a united Europe and to develop a European spirit among the members. The EBM activities range from those promoting its role as a leading facilitator of high standards in the information business to that of a developer of new business models. In recent years EBM has become active, in cooperation with other professional publishing associations, in creating and influencing EU policies that are important for the development of sound business environment for print and digital professional publishing.
The EBM members meet every year on seminars for publishers where they present each other their successful business models and exchange experience. These events have become important channels for enhancing cooperation among members resulting in a number of successful joint ventures, license agreements, franchises and other types of cooperation.
The EBM members meet every year on seminars for publishers where they present each other their successful business models and exchange experience. These events have become important channels for enhancing cooperation among members resulting in a number of successful joint ventures, license agreements, franchises and other types of cooperation.
At their annual meetings the EBM members discuss strategic and practical issues related with their own organization. At the same event members present the European Manager of the Year Award to the most outstanding business leader in the past year.
Most members have already a large share of its revenues from digital activities. Some of the members who have joined EBM in recent years have digital products only.
The economic uncertainty after the last crisis has increased the need for quality business information. Most EBM members have seized this opportunity which reflects in their improved results. This is a great opportunity for EBM members to rethink their business models and become frontrunners in introducing new technologies in media industry.
Most members have already a large share of its revenues from digital activities. Some of the members who have joined EBM in recent years have digital products only.
The economic uncertainty after the last crisis has increased the need for quality business information. Most EBM members have seized this opportunity which reflects in their improved results. This is a great opportunity for EBM members to rethink their business models and become frontrunners in introducing new technologies in media industry.
Slobodan Sibincic, EBM Secretary General
Next event
03
Mar
Publishers Seminar
3 March 2025, Paris