prijava
SARAJEVO, September 13 (FENA) - At the third EU-Western Balkans Media Days taking place from 12-13 September in Podgorica, Montenegro, the European Commission confirmed its support to the region with new initiatives focusing on media accountability, literacy and governance, judicial expertise on freedom of expression and promotion of reconciliation and regional cooperation.
This is part of the EU's firm support to media freedom and independence of journalism in the Western Balkans and underpins the ongoing regional programs worth €20 million.
Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, commented that freedom of expression and media freedom are part of the very foundation on which our Union is built; they are also key political indicators in the EU accession process.
“In view of the worrying developments across the region, from undue political interference to the spread of disinformation, this year’s Media Days shed the spotlight on the relation between media and politics, and paved the way towards identifying concrete actions and opportunities to improve the current situation," Hahn said.
The third edition of the EU-Western Balkans Media Days gathered some 350 representatives of media and civil society organizations as well as policymakers from the Western Balkans and the EU.
For the first time, political representatives from the region also joined the discussions on the crucial role of media in the accession process, aimed at developing forward-looking proposals and actions to improve the situation of journalists and strengthen independent media.
The European Union pursues a long-term strategic approach to support media freedom in the Western Balkans. Ongoing EU assistance includes a number of programs and initiatives focused on economic sustainability, media accountability and regional networks that foster regional cooperation and reconciliation.
The ongoing support amounts to over €20 million, including €11.5 million through 5 regional programs and €8.2 million for initiatives in the six Western Balkan partners, stated the EU Delegation to BiH.
(FENA) A. B.
