UNDERSTAND EUROPE. ACT STRATEGICALLY.
EU Journalist & Strategist
European policy moves fast. The real challenge is knowing what matters — and what to do about it. Bridging the gap between European policy decisions and operational reality.
20+ years working on European Affairs — as a trainer, journalist, and analyst.
- Trained 170+ Professionals Journalists & policy advisors navigated through complex EU legislative processes. Including strategic communication sessions, it total up to 170+.
- Cross-Border Insights In-depth reporting and strategy from Strasbourg, Brussels, and regional field operations.
- Published Expertise Reporting & analyses featured in European media including Arte, Polsat, FrictionsEU, Publiek Denken, Duitslandweb & regional outlets like RTV Oost & De Gelderlander.
FrictionsEU
Independent reporting, analysis, and conversations about the forces shaping European politics, policy, and power.
Uncovering the real gaps in European governance
From regional policy friction to Brussels decision-making—subscribing gives you direct access to regular strategic analyses, podcast episodes, and reporting.
Turn European expertise into meaningful conversations.
"Event agencies make sure everything runs smoothly — I make sure it actually matters."
I bring analytical sharpness, European policy expertise, and the right decision-makers to the table. From complex policy issues to impactful debate.
Support Independent EU Journalism
In-depth analysis of European policy requires continuous investment. Because traditional media outlets rarely cover all overhead and travel costs, I finance a large part of this work myself.
With a voluntary contribution, you ensure I can continue following critical dossiers, building on-the-ground networks, and sharpening the public debate.
FrictionsEU
- Fashion, Policy, and Sustainable Futures: 3 Takeaways from the Europa ExperienceCan a fashion show help us understand European policy?FrictionsEU by simontrommel.eu
New
Training maakt startende journalisten kosteloos ‘Wegwijs in de EU’
Startende journalisten opgelet: in oktober begint de cursus ‘Wegwijs in de EU’. Tijdens dit programma van het Europees Parlement, georganiseerd door de NVJ Academy leer je de vertaalslag te...
Navigating the EU
Get a Grip on Europe
WELCOME.
For media organizations, municipalities, and NGOs, Brussels and the EU are blind spots. European regulations and funding are the blueprints of modern operations—yet the content dimension and the social dimension of the "Brussels maze" remain a daunting challenge. I provide a strategic compass through the entire policy lifecycle, from the first political signal to the final technical act.
By translating the maneuvers of the institutional triangle into concrete opportunities, risk assessments, and compelling stories, I bridge the gap between policy and practice. Whether you are a media house seeking the "why" behind the "what," or a (non?)governmental organization anticipating the next regulatory wave: I help you stop being a spectator and to participate with confidence.
Feel free to connect on LinkedIn!
Trainer, journalist, policy analyst
I don’t just report on Europe; I decode it. As a trainer, journalist, and analyst, I specialize in the "how and why" of Brussels. I translate technical EU complexity into strategic insights for newsrooms and high-level organizations. Why work with me? Decades of Deep Access: I have navigated the capillaries of the European Union, helping over 60 journalists from the Netherlands’ premier media outlets on how to master the Brussels beat. The Power Map: My focus is the intersection of power and influence. I track where competing interests meet policy, ensuring you know exactly which way the wind is blowing before it reaches the surface. A Critical Lens on Inequality: I bring a nuanced understanding of resource inequality, providing a realistic view of how policy impacts different regions and social strata. Whether through high-level briefings, expert moderation, or investigative journalism, I turn the Brussels "black box" into actionable intelligence.
