European Commissioner for Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn estimated that the EU Strategy for the Western Balkans has created a new dynamics in the European perspective of the region, that the process of enlargement „has got a new positive scope“, but that, unfortunately, has not been a case in the freedom of media domain. Commissioner Hahn spoke in Skopje while opening a two-day conference „EU-Western Balkan: Media Days“ together with Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and OSCE representative for media freedom Harlem Desir.

Hahn called on for concrete financial support for the media in the Western Balkans, and noted that laws were not enough for freedom of media and protection of journalists, but also efficient and independent judiciary, which will enable these laws to be implemented.

He indicated that media could contribute a lot to reconciliation in the Western Balkans, by resisting simplistic stereotypes and polarisation.

Speaking about economic situation of media, Hahn indicated to the need to help media in the Western Balkans with a concrete financial support.

He noted that the standard of journalism must be kept in all media, because media of quality have been necessary, as well as educated consumers who were able to make a difference between responsible journalism and fake news.

„Changes can be made if the conditions are created for freedom of media. Media themselves are responsible to respect standards and not to serven to a political radicalisation,“ Hahn said in his opening speech at the conference which gathered more than 300 participants from media and civic society organisations.

His speech can read in full here.

In the opening speech by the OSCE representative for media freedom Harlem Desir said that violence against journalists is globally speaking on rise, while journalists in the Western Balkans have especially been in danger.

„We have to ensure that journalists are safe and we must protect them. This is our priority. Unfortunately, there is a lack of political will to protect media,“ Desir said, stressing the latest example a beating of Vladimir Kovacevic, journalist in Banja Luka.

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev estimated that „fake news are aimed to stir up conflicts“.

„In our regional context, fake news are aimed at undermining European prospective“, Zaev said.

For more information on the conference visit website  EU-Western Balkans Media Days