International conference Media-Democracy nexus in the European space

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On 17 October 2023, OBC Transeuropa, as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response, organised an international conference to discuss the delicate intersection between democracy, rule of law and press freedom

As cases of press a freedom violations are on the rise in EU member states as well as in candidate countries, the conference aimed at examining the ways in which a sound rule of law system can contribute to the advancement of media freedom in the European space, by bringing together journalists, scholars, legal experts, activists and representatives of civil society. 

The event took place at the headquarters of the Association of Foreign Press in Italy in Rome and was organised in collaboration with the Heinrich Böll Stiftung Paris, France - Italy and with the support of Federazione Nazionale Stampa Italia - FNSI and Consiglio Nazionale Ordine dei Giornalisti - Cnog. 

Learn more on our dedicated dossier. 

First panel
In the photo, from left: Roberta Taveri, media freedom programme officer at Article 19 Europe, Jelena Vasić, project manager at KRIK (Serbia); Vesna Alaburić, lawyer and media legislation expert (Croatia); Sara Manisera, freelance journalist FADA Collective and Emina Veljović, director at Aarhus Centre Sarajevo, during the first panel dedicated to SLAPPs
Eva Simon
Eva Simon, Senior Advocacy Officer at Liberties, during the second panel dedicated to the EMFA. On her right Renate Schroeder Director at European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and on her left Elda Brogi, Professor at European University Institute and Scientific Coordinator at Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (CMPF)
Dimitri Bettoni
Dimitri Bettoni, journalist and researcher at OBC Transeuropa, introduced the second panel on the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). In the photo also Luisa Chiodi, OBCT scientific director
Oliver Money-Kyrle
Oliver Money-Kyrle, head of European advocacy at International Press Institute (IPI), moderated the panel on the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA)
Third panel
During the third panel Guusje Somer, Srdan Kosović, Paolo Borrometi and Emilia Șercan exchanged life stories and experiences and discussed the role of law enforcement authorities in protecting journalists
Serena Epis
Serena Epis, researcher at OBC Transeuropa, introduced the third panel on the safety of journalists. In the photo also Guusje Somer, policy and advocacy officer at Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
7_Guusje Somer
Guusje Somer, policy and advocacy officer at Free Press Unlimited (FPU), moderated the panel dedicated to the safety of journalists and the role of law enforcement authorities
Srdan Kosović
Srdan Kosović, digital director at Vijesti spoke about the situation regarding the safety of journalists in Montenegro
Emilia Șercan
Emilia Șercan, independent investigative journalist, explained the threats she received and presented her experience with the police and law enforcement authorities in Romania. In the photo also Paolo Borrometi, FNSI National Councillor, AGI Co-director and President at Article 21