"BLOG OPEN – BLOG CLOSED" CONFERENCE
BELGRADE, 10 June 2014
HEAD OF THE EU, AMBASSADOR MICHAEL DAVENPORT OPENING REMARKS

Your excellency, Mr. Kirby, respected Mrs. Jazidzi, respected organisers of the BlogOpen gathering, dear bloggers, Twitter users, online experts, and friends on social media 
·	While preparing myself for coming here and thinking about what to say, I recalled the conference on Internet freedoms, organised last year in Belgrade by the Council of Europe.
·	Among the topics discussed was the democratic nature of the Internet and means for preserving it, but also means to ensure accountability for every word said on social networks.
·	On that occasion we discussed the freedom of speech and information   as fundamental principle among human rights, and one of the basic principles upon which not only European Union is built, but any democratic society as well. This is why I am glad my American colleague is with us here today.
·	As you would hopefully agree, blogs, tweets, Facebook posts, despite not being officially recognised as media, still act as source of information for many people. Same rules should apply to these information, just as any other type of information: they should be accurate, validated, and in line with current legislation.
·	On the other hand, and I hope you would agree with me once more: blogs, tweets, posts are pretty much the same as conversation between two people – or several people – in somebody's living room, or at a coffee shop. Trying to put restriction on a blog, tweet, or Facebook post, would be the same as trying to prevent someone from saying whatever he/she pleases, which mean restricting his/her right to freedom of expression.
·	Freedom of expression in the online world is a complex issue that, until recently, hasn't been dealt with by lawyers, and online experts such as many of you here today. On the one hand, freedom of expression has to be kept under “control”, in order to prevent the Internet from turning into a platform for hate speech and other criminal acts. On the other hand, as long as they do not put anyone in danger, people can exercise their right to freedom of expression online.
·	This is the kind of freedom of expression we are discussing here today. But this issue is not only topical at this particular gathering or only in Serbia these days, but is a phenomenon that we are seeing all across the globe. In China and Azerbaijan websites are being taken down; in Russia, an opposition blogger is serving a suspended sentence and his blog has been shut down. In EU countries as well, even in my country, in the UK for that matter, freedom of expression online is an issue, and there have been cases of people being visited by the police after making comments online. 
·	As you may see, freedom of speech online is a global challenge. For the past few days here in Serbia, we have been discussing three important phenomena that surely have their impact on the freedom of speech, whether offline or online. These are:
o	The issue of self-censorship: have certain bloggers or journalists' been experiencing pressure - be it from their editors, colleagues, state authorities or individuals - which has led them to apply self-censorship, or at least not say something that might be of public importance?
o	The issue of websites being taken down: there are plenty of examples of websites, which had featured unfavourable texts or opinions, being taken down in Serbia. This phenomenon exists outside of Serbia, too.
o	Another issue is the “intimidation” of individuals, who have been detained for questioning, or held in custody on the grounds of  spreading “panic”.  Commissioner for Information of Public Importance has expressed doubt about the legality of such actions. Of course, it is not up to me to tell you if this is indeed the case.
·	This inevitably leads us to a highly important question that all of you have been wondering about: Is freedom of expression under pressure in Serbia? It is highly important to bring up and analyse the facts, especially in the light of constant and rapid development of the Internet and social networks. We are not looking for someone to point a finger at: be it organised groups, individuals, state authorities or other actors. The goal is to fight for freedom of expression, both of the media and individuals. The responsibility for this fight lies on the Government of Serbia, the media, as well as online experts or bloggers.
·	A democratic country striving to become a part of the EU should not only not exert censorship or pressure on the freedom of speech, but should also ensure the existence of a framework where other stakeholders, individuals or organisations are not allowed to put the freedom of speech of others under pressure. On the other hand, individuals, bloggers, and social network users should act responsibly when using their accounts. Of course there are also international organisations such as the EU institutions or the OSCE, who can give you their opinion and/or advice.
·	Ladies and gentlemen, the EU will always remain on the side of freedom of expression because it is one of the EU's pillars and one of the conditions for joining the European family. On the other hand, we have to remember that there are no guarantees for freedom of expression and we cannot rest on our laurels. Freedom of speech needs to be fought for, guarded and protected. This applies as much to EU Member States as well as to Serbia or other countries. Dear participants, influential bloggers, it is up to you to point out the possible omissions and problems and it is up to state authorities to work on creating a framework in which all people of good will can exercise their right to freedom of expression in a responsible manner.