As highlighted in the annual report of the Council of Europe  Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists, the past year  was marked by growing risks linked to the spread of disinformation—including AI-generated content and state propaganda—aimed at manipulating public opinion and undermining independent journalism. There is therefore a pressing need to promote media freedom through policy reforms, increased transparency, and more effective protection against threats and harassment. Institutional work continued this week in Sarajevo on finalising the first Pilot Report on freedom of expression and free access to information in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Pilot Report aims to support the country in fully implementing these freedoms in line with European standards.

Relevant state and entity institutions, independent bodies, and civil society organisations involved in the Cross-Coordinating Working Group on Monitoring and Reporting on Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Information in Bosnia and Herzegovina met on 10 and 11 April 2025 to exchange feedback on the second draft of the Pilot Report and discuss next steps.

The Pilot Report represents the first systematic attempt to gather all relevant information and assess the current situation in line with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s international obligations. It is intended to structure future reporting efforts on these rights and to serve as an initial model for monitoring and reporting on freedom of expression and access to information.

Robust reporting and monitoring will enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to address challenges and ensure full respect for the right to freedom of expression and free access to information, in accordance with the domestic legal framework, relevant international standards, and the country’s international commitments.

The work of the Cross-Coordinating Working Group has been supported by the Council of Europe and its Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression as part of the project “Enhancing institutional capacities on freedom of expression and information in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EFEx)”, implemented by the Council of Europe and funded through the voluntary contribution of Sweden via the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).