Video message of Commissioner Johannes Hahn: “Freedom of expression and media in the Western Balkans”

Video message of Commissioner Johannes Hahn: “Freedom of expression and media in the Western Balkans”

Given at the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network’s Regional Media Conference ‘Freedom of Expression’, 12 June 2015 held in Sarajevo

“Ladies and gentleman,

It is my distinct pleasure and honour to be – at least virtually – part of this important event which is also dedicated to the first decade of the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network. I am personally committed to congratulate and thank ‘BIRN’ for its precious contribution and efforts in terms of freedom of expression and media in the Balkans.

As Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, my task is to support the countries in the Western Balkans on their path towards the European Union and in their efforts to meet the accession criteria. Fundamental rights and especially the freedom of expression and media are at the core of this process being one of the very foundations on which our Union is built.

Free speech and an informed, professional press are essential for a democratic society. They are fundamental to the choices that citizens make about the future of their country. Without them, the public cannot weigh up options or judge their leaders. Without them dangerous prejudices and misperceptions take root, which undermine chances for peace and stability.

The Commission is carefully monitoring the situation of freedom of expression and media in the Western Balkans. Unfortunately this field remains a particular concern.

We face important challenges that need to be addressed urgently. Apart from government interventions, more efforts are needed to ensure the political and financial independence of public service broadcasters, to strengthen the independence of regulatory agencies and foster functional self-regulation. There is also a need to tackle informal economic pressure on the media. This includes transparency of media ownership and preventing its excessive concentration. Last but not least, transparent rules on procurement of government advertising have to be in place.

You know far better than I the power of freedom of expression and media, and the complex threats it faces in your countries. In this respect, supporting professional journalism and journalists’ training is of key importance. With its aim to build and strengthen a dedicated, close-knit team of journalists across the Balkans, BIRN acts as a strong partner in the region, offering an impressive variety of services.

To conclude, I would like to assure you that I am and will remain committed to the issue of freedom of expression and media in the Western Balkans and I will continue pushing governments to make progress in this important area. I wish to this event every success and many fruitful discussions and I am already looking forward to the recommendations developed in the workshop.”

Europa.ba