A delegation from partner organizations of the Council of Europe Platform for the Safety of Journalists will conduct a two-day fact-finding mission in Pristina on March 24–25 to assess challenges related to media freedom in Kosovo.
During the visit, the delegation will meet with representatives of media outlets and institutions to discuss several issues affecting the media environment, including:
- Political pressure on media
- Safety of journalists
- Working conditions in journalism
- Legislative developments concerning media laws and proposed amendments
Topics Expected to Be Discussed
The discussions will also focus on:
- The functioning of the Radio Television of Kosovo
- The role of the Independent Media Commission
- Journalists’ access to public information
- Legal threats against media, including SLAPP lawsuits
- Proposals regarding the recriminalization of defamation
Another key topic will be aligning Kosovo’s media legislation with European standards, including implementation of the European Media Freedom Act and the Digital Services Act.
Meetings with Institutions
During their stay, the delegation is expected to meet with Albin Kurti, who has already confirmed his participation. Meetings are also planned with:
- Editors and journalists
- Members of the parliamentary committee on media
- Judicial authorities
- Police representatives
- Regulatory bodies
- Representatives of the public broadcaster
After the mission concludes, a press conference will be held in Pristina on March 25 to present the initial findings. A detailed report with recommendations to improve media freedom in Kosovo is expected to follow.
Organizations Participating in the Mission
The mission includes several international media organizations, such as:
- European Centre for Press and Media Freedom
- European Federation of Journalists
- Reporters Without Borders
- International Press Institute
- Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa
- Association of European Journalists
- Index on Censorship
A similar fact-finding mission by this platform was also conducted in Kosovo in 2022, and the current mission is supported by the Association of Journalists of Kosovo.
