Commenting
on World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2014, Head of Delegation/EU Special
Representative in BiH Ambassador Peter Sorensen said:

“On World
Press Freedom Day we recall the importance of independent and
professional media. Freedom of expression and freedom of media are
fundamental pillars of good governance and political accountability in
democratic societies. If there is no free media working to professional
and ethical standards, citizens are deprived of balanced, factual and
reliable information. Through a free media, we understand and interpret
our place in the world and in the community.

“Today
we also remember those journalists who have lost their lives carrying
out their duties in the interests of their fellow citizens. We recognise
the important work of journalists in the field today, especially in
areas of conflict.

“Ensuring
freedom of expression and freedom of media are key priorities for the
European Union (EU) and, as part of the Copenhagen political criteria, a
key aspect of the EU integration process of the Western Balkans
countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. Therefore free and
professional media is non-negotiable for the EU.

“In order to
promote free media working to the highest ethical and professional
standards, the European Commission has recently launched and is
promoting Guidelines for our support to media freedom and media
integrity in enlargement countries.

“We wish all journalists and media houses in Bosnia and Herzegovina a good World Press Freedom Day.”

[Guidelines for EU support to media freedom and media integrity in enlargement countries 2014 – 2020]