Are journalists truly safe and adequately protected in Bosnia and Herzegovina? This question extends beyond the concerns of media professionals; it resonates as a societal issue affecting us all.

Bringing together representatives from pivotal beneficiary and partner institutions across the state, entities, and Brčko District, along with independent bodies and civil society, the Fifth meeting of the Cross-Coordinating Working Group on Monitoring and Reporting on Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Information in Bosnia and Herzegovina convened on April 23 and 24, 2024, in Bijeljina. Their collective aim was to address this pressing question through the lens of their monitoring and reporting mandates.

Utilizing the meticulously developed Reporting Guidelines as a foundation, the Working Group, with the support of the Council of Europe experts, started to work on the first segment of the Pilot Report, which delves into the safety and protection of journalists. Additionally, participants were briefed on the Council of Europe's Campaign Journalists Matter, fostering discussions on potential synergies and collaborative avenues.

This activity is organised within the framework of the project ‘Enhancing institutional capacities on freedom of expression and information in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EFEx)’, implemented by the Council of Europe, Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression, and funded through the voluntary contribution of Sweden, through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).