News on freedom of expression
European standards on elections shared with key actors
As the parliamentary elections are approaching, the issue of ensuring freedom of expression, particularly freedom of political debate, is of ultimate importance considering the necessity that opinions and information of all kinds are permitted to circulate freely during the election period. To...
Training of Trainers on the online courses: “Freedom of Expression” and “Safety and protection of journalists”
The European standards on freedom of expression can be more effectively implemented by offering training in this field to different local actors such as judges, prosecutors, lawyers, police officers but also students who could then apply these standards in their current or future work. This...
Guidelines available in Serbian
Safeguarding privacy in the media
The Council of Europe’s “Guidelines on safeguarding privacy in the media” have been translated into Serbian under the joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022", and action on "Freedom of expression and...
Algorithms and human rights – challenges we face
In the evolving technological world automated data processing techniques, such as algorithms, do not only enable users to seek and access information, they are also increasingly used in decision-making processes, that were previously entirely in the remit of human beings. But how should we...
Youngest and the world of media
Children are surrounded by the media from their birth – media and communication platforms and content are part of their environment, their family life, their fun and play time, their learning habits and social skills development. Children are active users of the media; they react to them and...
Council of Europe Provides Legal Support for Kosovo*’s Draft Law on the Independent Media Commission (IMC)
In response to a request from the Committee on Public Administration, Local Governance, Media, and Rural Development, and the Independent Media Commission (IMC) in Kosovo, the Council of Europe has provided a Legal Opinion on the Draft Law on the IMC. This initiative reflects Kosovo’s commitment...
‘Guide to Article 10 for legal professionals' on upholding European standards on freedom of expression, available in Albanian
The latest resource material for legal professionals, "Guide to Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights—Freedom of Expression" is now available in Albanian. It is part of the Case-Law Guides’ series, published by the European Court of Human Rights to assist legal professionals in...
Assessment on economic vitality and sustainability of the audio-visual media industry in the digital environment in North Macedonia reveals important findings
The media have a particular role in the process of democratic, cultural, social, and economic development for every society, which is why the adoption, and the appropriate implementation of media public policy bears crucial relevance. The latest “Assessment: Economic vitality and sustainability...
Protecting those who speak out: Journalists and whistle-blowers in focus
Twenty-two lawyers from Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthened their capacity to defend journalists and whistle-blowers by engaging with European human rights standards and local legal practices during a recent two-day gathering held in Bihać. Through case studies from the European Court for Human...
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...
Peer Exchange in Warsaw strengthens European response to SLAPP-s
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) pose a growing threat to media freedom and public participation across Europe. They are filed to intimidate, silence, or drain the resources of journalists, media workers, and activists who expose wrongdoing. To strengthen members...
Safeguarding freedom of expression at the heart of Bihać judicial discussions
Top of FormJudges and prosecutors from across Bosnia and Herzegovina have strengthened their knowledge on the European standards for the protection of whistleblowers and journalists during a two-day training aimed at safeguarding freedom of expression and the public interest. Through the analysis...
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...
Standing up against SLAPPs: Journalists and lawyers join forces in North Macedonia
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) are lawsuits filed not to seek justice, but to intimidate, silence, or drain the resources of journalists, media workers, and activists who expose wrongdoing. Often disguised as defamation or civil claims, SLAPPs exploit the legal system to...
Integrating European Media Freedom Act and Digital Services Act in Albania’s media framework
As Albania advances on its path to European Union accession, aligning its media legislation with European standards is a critical step. In this context, the Albanian Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA) took part in a capacity-building workshop focused on the transposition and implementation of the ...
Strengthening police role to ensure journalists' safety in Albania
Police play a vital role in protecting journalists and ensuring a safe environment for free and independent media. Strengthening their capacity to understand, prevent, and respond to threats against journalists is essential to uphold freedom of expression and democratic values. The two-day...
Strengthening protection of journalists in Albania through dialogue and co-operation
As threats and attacks against journalists in Albania remain a concern, efforts to improve their safety through institutional co-operation and dialogue are gaining momentum. Journalists, prosecutors, police officials, civil society, and international partners gathered in Shkodër for a...
Venice Commission provides legal opinions for the authorities in Montenegro and North Macedonia
The Expertise Co-ordination Mechanism (ECM), a system established under the joint European Union and Council of Europe Horizontal Facility III programme, continues to provide important legislative expertise and policy advice for the beneficiaries in the Western Balkans. At its 143rd Plenary...
Judges and civil society in Serbia join forces to counter abusive lawsuits against public interest voices
In a joint effort to tackle Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), as a growing threat to freedom of expression and public debate, judges from Serbia’s High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court came together with members of the Serbian Anti-SLAPP coalition for a Council of...
Police in North Macedonia equipped to better protect journalists
Recognising the vital role of journalists as watchdogs of democracy, police forces in North Macedonia were empowered with tools and knowledge to better protect media professionals from threats, harassment, and violence—both offline and online. In this framework, with the support of the EU and...
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