News on freedom of expression
Strengthening the protection of judges’ freedom of expression in Serbia
How can judges exercise their rights to freedom of expression while safeguarding judicial independence, impartiality and public confidence in the judiciary? This question was at the heart of a panel discussion held on 15 October in Belgrade, as part of the sixth judicial conference “Forum Days”...
Lawyers explore stronger legal protection for journalists and ways to counter SLAPPs in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Twenty-six lawyers from across Bosnia and Herzegovina explored practical ways to strengthen the legal protection of journalists and challenge abusive lawsuits targeting public participation during a two-day training in Neum on 15-16 October 2026. The exchange focused onapplying European human...
Building a stronger judicial response to SLAPP-s in North Macedonia
Judges and public prosecutors in North Macedonia are taking concrete steps forward towards a more efficient response to Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). During the specialised capacity-building session held in Shtip, they strengthened their knowledge and practical skills...
Better interviews, stronger safeguards: police inspectors prepare to lead change in Bosnia and Herzegovina
For a person in police detention, an interview can be a defining moment. It should be a search for reliable information—not a source of fear or pressure. The way an interview is planned, conducted and recorded can help protect a person’s dignity and rights, while also supporting sound...
From Dialogue to Action: Strengthening Journalists’ Safety in North Macedonia
A free press depends on the safety of those who work within it. In North Macedonia, main stakeholders are taking concrete steps to strengthen the safety of journalists in reality. Representatives of public institutions, the judiciary, prosecution, media and journalists’ organisations, civil...
Judges discuss stronger protection for journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina
How should courts respond when journalists face violence, threats or legal pressure because of their work? This was at the centre of discussions among judges from across Bosnia and Herzegovina at a Council of Europe workshop focused on judicial protection of journalists and media freedom. The...
New research brings evidence into Serbia’s media literacy efforts
The Council of Europe and the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) jointly presented the findings of comprehensive research on the needs, habits and preferences of media users in Serbia to the Permanent Expert Working Group on Media Literacy, consisted of representatives from public...
Assisting local actors in North Macedonia to advance access to public information in line with European standards and practice
Representatives of public institutions in North Macedonia strengthened their knowledge and practical skills on access to public information, during a specialised capacity-building activity organised in Skopje. within the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme “Horizontal Facility...
Strengthening professional media coverage of elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Strengthening professional, accurate and balanced media elections reporting was the focus of a training for journalists and media professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Participants had the opportunity to learn about European standards for professional election reporting and how these standards...
Strengthening access to environmental information and public participation in Serbia
Professional staff of the Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection in Serbia strengthened their knowledge and practical understanding of European standards on access to information and environmental protection during a specialised capacity-building activity...
Monitoring of Audiovisual Media for better protection of Freedom of Expression in Albania
Albania authorities are taking steps to ensure a more effective monitoring of audiovisual media content, for a better protection of freedom of expression in line with European standards. Professionals from the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA) participated in a capacity building session,...
New Guide helps journalists in North Macedonia recognise and respond to SLAPP-s
Journalists and media professionals in North Macedonia now have a practical guide to help them recognise, prevent and respond to Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), strengthening their ability to protect freedom of expression and continue reporting on matters of public...
Revised Code strengthens ethical journalism and media self-regulation in Montenegro
Montenegro has presented the revised Code of Journalists, strengthening ethical journalism and media self-regulation while helping the profession respond to the opportunities and challenges of today's rapidly evolving media landscape. Presented at Europe House in Podgorica, the revised Code is...
Institutions join forces to strengthen the safety of journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Prosecutors and police officers serving as contact points for the safety of journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthened their co-operation and exchanged practical experiences in Banja Luka on 17 and 18 June, as part of ongoing efforts for a more effective response to threats and attacks...
Montenegro and Moldova exchange experience on protecting elections from disinformation
Representatives of the Agency for Audiovisual Media Services of Montenegro concluded a three-day peer-to-peer exchange visit to Chișinău, engaging with Moldovan institutions, civil society organisations, and international partners on issues related to election integrity, countering...
Judges in North Macedonia strengthen skills on freedom of expression
The Basic Court in Gostivar hosted a capacity building activity on the “Protection of Honour and Reputation in the Context of the Right to Freedom of Expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The activity brought together judges from the Basic Courts of...
Council of Europe and Judicial Academy launch first training-of-trainers programme on countering SLAPPs for Serbian judges
Senior judges from Serbia strengthened their capacity to recognise and respond to Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), following the first training-of-trainers programme for judges in Serbia organised by the Council of Europe in co-operation with the Judicial Academy. The...
Agreement reached on advancing online content regulation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Representatives of public institutions, independent regulatory bodies, the media, academia, and civil society reached agreement on key principles for improving the governance of online content in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a particular focus on the Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2026)4...
Freedom of expression, defamation and SLAPPs addressed with lawyers in Pristina
Key European standards and practical aspects related to freedom of expression, protection of reputation and abusive litigation (SLAPPs) were addressed during a training with lawyers in Pristina. Participants exchanged on core principles of freedom of expression, including relevant international...
Council of Europe research on media user preferences takes centre stage at Radio Days Serbia
What do citizens in Serbia really expect from their media, and who do they trust? The main findings of the comprehensive study Media User Preferences in Serbia were presented through a panel at Radio Days, a conference of regional and local radio media outlets organised by the Association of...
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