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EU Commissioner Hahn asks for media freedom in W.Balkans

'EU accession at stake'. Media Days ongoing in Skopje

17 September, 16:51
(ANSA) - BRUXELLES, 17 SET - The Media Days conference organised by the European Commission for the media in Western Balkans opened this morning in Skopje. "There will be no accession to the European Union without safeguarding media freedom and granting journalists working environments free from intimidation and pressure", EU Commissioner for Enlargement Johannes Hahn said opening the two-days event.

"The overall picture" of the EU enlargement to the Western Balkan "is of new and positive momentum", but "unfortunately this is not the case in the area of media freedom", Hahn pointed out. During his speech, the EU Commissioner addressed a large audience, including Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, some politicians and more than 300 regional media.

According to data from the Regional Platform for advocating media freedom and safety of journalists, there were 11 cases of physical attacks on journalists in the Western Balkan countries in 2018. "The irresolute attitude of those in charge of finding and convicting perpetrators creates a terrifying atmosphere of impunity", Hahn said.

EU Commissioner said the coming referendum in Macedonia on the former Jugoslav country's new name (Republic of Northern Macedonia), which will take place on 30th September, "can serve as an example" of "quality reporting" that "helps citizens to make an informed decision, raising awareness among their audience of the importance to use their democratic right to vote".

Hahn announced a new EU regional journalist training programme "by the end of the year", as well as the reinforcement of the EU cooperation with UNESCO to increase media literacy among citizens in the Western Balkan region.(ANSA).

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