7 hours agoCouncil of Europe's fact-finding mission comes to Pristina to assess media freedom
Periskopi(4 months ago)
(4 months ago)A delegation of partner organisations of the Council of Europe's Parliament for Security of Journalists will hold a two-day fact-finding mission in Pristina on March 24th and 25th, aimed at assessing the challenges related to media freedom in Kosovo. During this mission, the delegation will discuss with representatives of the media and institutions [...]
During this mission, the delegation will discuss with media representatives and institutions on various issues related to the functioning of the media, including political pressure on the media, journalists' safety and their working conditions.
Legislative developments related to the media, including the media law and proposed amendments, will also be addressed.
The focus of discussions is expected to include issues related to the functioning of Kosovo public broadcaster Radio Television and the role of media regulator the Independent Media Commission. The delegation will also address the approach of journalists in public information, legal threats to the media, including strategic abuses against public participation (SLAPP), as well as proposals for redirecting slander.
Part of the discussions will also be the approach of legislation with European standards, including implementation of the European Act for Freedom of Media (EMFA) and the Act for Digital Services (DSA).
While in Kosovo, the delegation is expected to meet with Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who has already confirmed the meeting.
Meetings with editors and journalists, members of the parliamentary commission for the media, judicial authorities, police representatives, regulatory bodies and representatives of the public broadcaster are also planned.
After the mission's completion, a press conference will be held in Pristina on March 25th, where initial findings will be presented. The release of a report with recommendations to improve media freedom in Kosovo is expected next.
International media organisations such as European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, European Federation of Journalists, Reporters Without Borders, International Press Institute, Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa, Association of European Journalists and Index on Centorship.
A similar fact-finding mission from this platform had been accomplished in Kosovo in 2022. The mission is supported by the Association of Kosovo Journalists. /Periscopi
