In the framework of the European Union/Council of Europe “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” (Horizontal Facility III), the Council of Europe is currently implementing seven actions (in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and regional) on “Protecting freedom of expression and of the Media” (PRO-FREX).

The actions aim at strengthening the capacities of key domestic institutions and actors (including, relevant governmental structures/ministries, independent authorities in the field of media, access to information and data protection, judiciary and legal professionals, public service media and other media outlets, and CSOs in the field of journalism and media) in implementing European standards on freedom of expression and freedom of the media.

The consultancy services (legal and policy advice, and training design and delivery) foreseen under this call for tenders include the following areas: Freedom of expression, Access to information, Protection and Safety of Journalists, Media law, regulation, co-regulation, and self-regulation and Protection of personal data.

The activities foreseen under the project, in the subject areas indicated above, include technical assistance and advice on legislative and policy review, institutional capacity building and human capacity development, as well as awareness-raising.

The services of selected consultants may be sought for any relevant activity implemented by the Council of Europe, not just for the aforementioned PRO-FREX actions under the Horizontal Facility 3.

Expected timeline for the provision of services: 02 January 2024 - 31 December 2026 (Renewable until 31 December 2028)

The deadline for submission of applications is 11 December 2023.

 All information and documents about the procedure are available at the following here.

* 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