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With over 20 years experience describing how the European Union works, what it does and what challenges it faces in speeches, articles, lectures and trainings, I thought I could explain what the EU is all about in terms that anybody could understand. How wrong I was.

We are all storytelling animals. There is something in all of us that just wants to know what happens next.

Unfortunately for all frustrated writers, there is no push-the-button solution for writer’s block. But to give you a shunt in the right direction, find out what some of the greatest authors have to say about the art of writing.

I have picked out 10 essential facts you need to know about the journalists who report on the EU.

If EU institutions are to stand any chance of reconnecting with disillusioned voters, they must surgically remove jargon and communicate in clear, concrete language.

Find data on the gender, nationality and type of media journalists work for and how these figures have changed over the past decade.

Remember all those scary stories about dwindling press numbers in Brussels a few years ago? Well, turns out they were wrong.

Those who write English well admire and prioritise two things. The first is economy of expression. The second is courtesy.

If you are interested in politics, journalism and communications then you are probably a big fan of Borgen - the Danish TV show about a female politician and the reporters, officials and spin-doctors circling around her.