Work in this area focuses on promoting freedom of expression and freedom of the media in line with European standards. It targets legal professionals (judges, prosecutors, lawyers), police authorities, Media Regulatory Authorities and governmental bodies in charge of the media legislation and journalism related issues as well as media actors (journalists, associations of journalists, self-regulatory bodies, students of law and journalism and other media organisations). The topics of data protection and access to public information are of particular interest within the theme of the protection of freedom of expression and of the media.

Back Constitutional Court ruling opens path to strengthen media regulator’s independence

Pristina 08 September 2025
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Constitutional Court ruling opens path to strengthen media regulator’s independence

Ensuring the independence of the media regulator and aligning the local legal framework with European standards were at the heart of discussions at a roundtable in Pristina, that brought together members and staff of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), civil society representatives, and international partners.

The roundtable, organised with the support of EU and Council of Europe, provided an opportunity to reflect on the findings of the Constitutional Court regarding the Law on the IMC and their implications for future reforms. Key elements of the judgment were presented, with a focus on provisions related to on-demand services, video-sharing platforms, and other types of online media. These were followed by in-depth discussions, which also addressed issues such as the independence of the IMC, media ownership, and other areas highlighted by the Court.

Interventions from international organisations and civil society enriched the debate, underlining the shared commitment to ensuring that the IMC functions as a fully independent regulator in line with European standards. Participants agreed that the judgment represents both a challenge and an opportunity to strengthen the media regulatory framework, in connection with European instruments such as the EU Digital Services Act and the Audiovisual Media Services Directive.

The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the Council of Europe’s readiness to continue supporting Kosovo’s* institutions and the IMC in this process, including through future working group meetings and the provision of expertise.

This activity was organised within the framework of the action “Protecting freedom of expression and of the media (PROFREX)” in close co-operation with the Independent Media Commission. PROFREX is implemented by the Division for Co-operation on Freedom of Expression of the Council of Europe and is part of the joint European Union and the Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.

 

 

 

*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

Actions under theme IV: Promoting and protecting freedom of expression and media