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 the result of a broad consultative process involving media organisations, journalists, media self-regulatory bodies, academia and civil society, supported by the Council of Europe, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the UNESCO Office. The updated Code aligns with European and international standards and addresses emerging issues.

The event brought together representatives of the media community, civil society organisations, public institutions and international partners to mark the conclusion of an inclusive process aimed at strengthening professional journalism and media self-regulation in Montenegro.

The event highlighted the importance of ethical journalism as a cornerstone of freedom of expression, media accountability and public trust. It also provided an opportunity to reflect on the evolving challenges facing the media sector, including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, online disinformation, hate speech and the protection of human rights in the digital environment.

Speakers emphasised that the revised Code is not merely a professional document for journalists but an important instrument for protecting the public interest, strengthening ethical standards and promoting responsible journalism. They underlined that effective self-regulation contributes to media credibility and reinforces citizens' trust in reliable information.

The revision of the Code of Journalists of Montenegro was supported by the Council of Europe within the framework of the action "Protecting Freedom of Expression and of the Media in Montenegro", implemented by the Council of Europe Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression, under the joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye".