Public service radio is well armed to face the future. Television is overachieving its goals. Eurovision Operations underlines its advantages and innovations. The European Union has welcomed aboard 10 new Member States which means the EBU's legal advisors are not short of work! And last but not least, the Technical Department is tackiling universal coverage - a global agenda!

Challenges... opportunities... ongoing battles... innovations... synergies... collective effort... strategies... ambition... commitment.

As you read the articles in this 2004 Yearbook these words and expressions portray a confident EBU, proud of its actions and determined to be heard in a turbulent European broadcasting landscape.

Globalization, constantly changing broadcasting scene, new technologies, Europe undergoing continuous changes,  either negative or constructive, such as with the eastward enlargement of the Union.

This is the new environment in which the EBU must reaffirm its values end ready itself in order to press ahead.

The year 2001 is one of change and renewal. 

On 1 January, Arne Wessberg took over as EBU president from Albert Scharf, who had led the Union for 18 years. From autumn 2001 the EBU will have a new secretary general and three new directors. 

The EBU Yearbook 2001 includes articles by the departing members of the management team together with hints of the future from their successors.

This millennial edition of the EBU Yearbook has three main aims:

• to air reflections by the chairmen of EBU governing bodies on past and future issues in their domain; 
• to give readers an insight into major areas of EBU activity; and
• to serve as a source of practical information on the EBU and some of its partner organization.