Freedom of expression and information and freedom of the media in South-East Europe
General information
Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” and Kosovo*.
Funding: Norway
Implementation: Council of Europe
Duration: 18 + 6 months (2 September 2013 – 31 August 2015)
Objectives
The overall objective of the project is to develop legal and institutional guarantees for freedom of expression, higher quality journalism and a pluralistic media landscape in SEE, in line with CoE standards.
The specific project objectives are: 1) alignment of the laws, regulations and practice with the Council of Europe standards in the field of freedom of expression in SEE; 2) strengthening independence and effectiveness of the bodies responsible for broadcasting regulation and enabling the public-service broadcasting system to better fulfil its remit; 3) development of professional approach, responsibility and respect of ethical rules among journalists.
Also, through its regional activities, the Project aims to address the common problems and challenges of the beneficiary countries and allow exchange of experience, cooperation, networking and synergies in appropriate areas such as journalism education and training, self-regulation and broadcasting regulation, media transparency and ownership.
Partners
All activities will be implemented in consultation and co-operation with the relevant public authorities, media professionals and local NGOs in the beneficiary countries.
Target groups
Decision makers, public officials, civil society, representatives of public-service broadcasting systems, representatives of regulatory and self-regulatory bodies and journalists.
Final beneficiaries
Media professionals and citizens of the beneficiary countries.
Expected results
Media legislation in line with European norms and standards developed.
Number of media professionals, judges and media lawyers trained in line with CoE standards related to freedom of expression, ethical rules and access to information of public importance.
Number of public officials, including from regulatory bodies trained.
Self-regulatory mechanism of oversight for the media sector strengthened.
Informal network of journalists to enhance regional dialogue developed.
Main activities
Legal expertise, expert meetings, workshops, trainings and awareness-raising activities, seminars, round tables and regional conferences.
Project team based in Belgrade is in charge of implementing all regional and activities in Serbia, Montenegro and The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.