Newsletter Nr. 01/2021

HIGHLIGHT

Farewell Dragan

Dragan Janjić passed away on the night between 30 and 31 December. Journalist, bulwark of independent media, founder and editor-in-chief of the Beta agency, former deputy editor-in-chief of the Politika newspaper, vice-president of the Association of Independent Journalists of Serbia (NUNS) and, since 2013, correspondent for OBC Transeuropa.

Over the last few years we have worked together, discussed issues and events, shared our views on critical situations. Last spring, during the lockdown, we spent evenings exchanging information and impressions on what was happening. He always had a good word, a smile, a piece of advice to share.

We will miss you, Dragane. Serbia and the world of media will miss your voice, your comments, your stinging tweets. You left suddenly, leaving everyone breathless. You will be remembered for your fight for freedom of expression, for a world more just and more respectful of human rights. We will remember you as a sincere and honest friend, a valuable colleague, and a keen analyst. Farewell Dragan.

Latest News

The Sky Above Zenica

Anna Lodeserto

An interview with The Sky Above Zenica directors Zlatko Pranjić and Nanna Frank Møller, and Professor Samir Lemeš from Eko Forum Zenica

Albania, media trapped in a triangle of pressure

Serena Epis

Journalists across Europe are often subjected to subtle forms of pressure and intimidation, including vexatious lawsuits frequently initiated by influential politicians or businesspeople. Blerjana Bino, Executive Director of SCiDEV and Researcher at the SafeJournalists Network, provides insight into the situation in the country

Adriatic views: Zadar

Fabio Fiori

Zadar, Croatia. For some it was once “the Venice on the other shore”. The history of Zadar sums up that of many other European cities, in the intertwining of different people and cultures, of thousand-years-old arts and architecture

COP 29: hope for breakthrough with Azerbaijan dims as Armenia a no-show

Onnik James Krikorian

Armenia’s absence from this year’s Climate Conference in Azerbaijan underscores the ongoing tensions between Yerevan and Baku. Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg surprised many by visiting Tbilisi and Yerevan to support protesters

EU, deaths in custody

Ter García, Carmen Torrecillas, Adrian Maqueda

Between 2020 and 2022, 13 EU countries, including Spain, France and Germany recorded at least 488 deaths in custody or in police operations

North Macedonia: politicians expect continued cooperation with the US

Aleksandar Samardjiev

Trump's victory in the US presidential elections was welcomed by most Macedonian politicians to reaffirm the absolute centrality of relations with Washington for the country's foreign policy

Serbian journalism, stronger EU support is needed

Serena Epis, Sava Mirković

Amid a systematic erosion of editorial independence by the government, stronger international support is needed to uphold media freedom in the country. An interview with Igor Božić, news director of the independent N1 TV

COP29 in Baku, take a minute to think

Arzu Geybullayeva

The United Nations Climate Conference COP29 begins today in Baku, Azerbaijan. The following is a message to the international public: take a moment to remember Azerbaijan's political prisoners and the many human rights violations