Important interventions were focused on strengthening the protection of journalists, activists, and the media in the Western Balkans, with a primary focus on combatting Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) but also on advancing the role of the media in addressing key social issues. Through collaborative efforts involving legal experts, civil society, and media professionals, these initiatives aim to enhance press freedom, promote public advocacy, and ensure that individuals and organisations can speak out without fear of legal retaliation. Additionally, the media’s role in addressing gender-based violence and other societal concerns is being emphasized, fostering an environment where journalism can thrive and contribute to the region’s democratic development.
With growing solidarity and support from the Council of Europe, journalists, lawyers, and activists in Bosnia and Herzegovina are stepping up efforts to counter Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), aimed at silencing critical voices and discouraging public interest reporting. Faced with lawsuits intended to intimidate and financially drain them, journalists, lawyers, and activists in Bosnia and Herzegovina are taking action to protect free speech and the right to report on matters of public interest. With the Council of Europe providing targeted training and support, key stakeholders are now more equipped to recognise and combat SLAPPs.
Through the EU and Council of Europe regional action “Protecting Freedom of Expression and Media in the Western Balkans (PRO-FREX)”, the Council of Europe is assisting public actors in implementing these standards to ensure protection of persons who engage in public participation from manifestly unfounded claims or abusive court proceedings. This collaborative effort aims to empower media professionals to report freely, without the threat of legal harassment. In this context, the Regional Exchange on “Countering the use of SLAPPs in the Western Balkans” was organised in Strasbourg bringing together 29 participants, including journalists, members of the judiciary and representatives from relevant ministries.
In North Macedonia, in a dedicated effort to enhance the quality and sensitivity of reporting on gender-based violence, professionals from local media and other interested parties in North Macedonia were part of a workshop organised with the support of the European Union and the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services. Recognising the pivotal role of the media in shaping public opinion, the workshop aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary for responsible and effective reporting on this critical issue.
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