News on freedom of expression
Advancing European standards on SLAPPs and freedom of expression in Albania
Legal professionals, judges, prosecutors, and commissioners from the Ombudsman Office convened in Golem/Albania for an intensive two-day training of trainers on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). The activity, organised under the joint European Union and Council of Europe...
Journalists, lawyers and activists join forces to fight SLAPP in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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), lawsuits aimed at silencing critical voices and discouraging public interest...
Strengthening Media’s Role in Tackling Gender-Based Violence 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...
Advancing environmental protection and human rights through combating SLAPPs
In an era where environmental challenges are intensifying, the intersection of human rights and environmental protection has became a pressing regional and global concern. In this context, the Council of Europe Office in Pristina hosted a public discussion with the participation of...
Strengthening law enforcement’s role in protecting journalists and media freedom in Albania
Ensuring the safety of journalists and upholding media freedom are essential pillars of democratic societies and fundamental to safeguarding human rights. To support these goals, twenty-eight law enforcement officers and instructors from Albania participated in a Training of Trainers programme on...
Empowering judges and prosecutors to combat SLAPPs
In the face of growing challenges posed by defamation cases and strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), 20 judges and prosecutors from Bosnia and Herzegovina sharpened their skills to address these issues effectively. The two-day training, organised by the Council of Europe in...
Building bridges through journalism: enhancing journalistic skills across diverse communities
As part of ongoing efforts to promote media freedom and enhance journalistic standards, the Council of Europe organised a workshop in Brezovica, Kosovo*. with journalists from both, the Albanian and Serbian communities. The event aimed at discussing how to address the main challenges journalists...
Strengthening the capacities of media regulators: study visit to Ireland
In a significant step towards strengthening co-operation among media regulation authorities, representatives of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) of Kosovo visited the Irish Regulatory Authority.. This visit supported by EU and Council of Europe is part of a broader two-day peer-to-peer...
Strengthening legal protections for journalists in the Western Balkans: Regional exchange on combatting SLAPPs
Promoting a secure environment for media professionals is a key priority for the Western Balkans Beneficiaries as outlined by the Council of Europe’s Recommendation on countering the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). Through the EU and Council of Europe regional...
Strengthening access to information in Montenegro: Reinforcing capacities of public officials
Ensuring transparent access to information is a cornerstone of democratic governance, empowering citizens and fostering accountability within public institutions. In Montenegro, public officials from various authorities gathered for a two-day training session to deepen their knowledge of European...
Enhancing Media Monitoring Capacities During Election Periods
Transparent and balanced media coverage during election periods is essential for upholding democratic values and public trust. On 7-8 November 2024, a two-day capacity-building activity was held in Pristina with the support of the EU and Council of Europe, aiming at strengthening media monitoring...
HIGHLIGHTS
Empowering Legal Professionals to advance freedom of expression and freedom of the media
A series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills of legal professionals in the Western Balkans in the field of freedom of expression have been conducted. These initiatives focused on specialised capacity building activities for prosecutors and police officers, promoting collaboration between...
New pilot module to counter SLAPPs introduced for legal professionals
As part of its ongoing commitment to advance protection of freedom of expression in line with European standards, the Council of Europe Office in Pristina introduced for legal professionals in Kosovo* an importanttraining curriculum focused on countering the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against...
PRESS RELEASE
Advancing Albania’s Reform Agenda, in line with European values: Human Rights and Democracy in the Spotlight
The programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, a core co-operation initiative of the European Union and Council of Europe, is a fundamental instrument in the hands of the public authorities in Albania to bring forward protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms,...
Montenegro judges and media unite to improve court transparency
In a groundbreaking initiative, judges and media professionals in Montenegro met in Podgorica for the first time to strengthen collaboration on the dissemination of information from court proceedings. During the two-day event, participants delved into pressing issues, including the Council of...
Serbia Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media enhances knowledge on advertising standards
Representatives of the Serbia’s Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) had the opportunity to learn more on commercial communications and explore possibilities for co-regulation and self-regulation in various areas. The training was designed to provide an overview of the European...
Protecting journalists and activists from SLAPPs in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) are a significant concern for journalists and activists, as they are used by political and economic power holders to suppress critical voices. Addressing this challenge from the perspective of journalists and lawyers, and exploring how to...
North Macedonia ratifies the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents
The Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia, on its 12th session held on 13 August 2024, adopted the Law on Ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents, also known as the Tromsø Convention. With this ratification, North Macedonia becomes the 16th country...
Potential amendments to Serbia's Data Protection Law with emphasis on Freedom of Expression discussed with local actors
The intricate balance between data protection and freedom of expression has emerged as a critical issue within the realm of journalism. The 2018 adoption of the Law on Data Protection by the Government of Serbia marked a significant step in aligning national legislation with the European Union's...
Keeping track of the developments on Freedom of Expression with justice professionals in Kosovo*
Freedom of expression continues to be a vital right protected by legal standards across Europe, necessitating continuous education for those tasked with its protection. To support the already certified judges, prosecutors, and lawyers on freedom of expression, with up-to-date knowledge on the...
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