In order to promote and emphasize the crucial importance of freedom of expression and media in the Western Balkans and Turkey, the European Commission will host on 6 May a high-level international conference entitled „Speak Up!“. This event will bring together 400 participants who will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and point to possible ways that their situation could be improved.

In its last Enlargement Strategy, the European Commission sets out its concerns about restrictions to freedom of expression and media in the Western Balkans and Turkey. In several of these countries, some journalists are prosecuted, threatened or otherwise attacked for expressing their views. Such practices are unacceptable.

Freedom of expression and media, one of the political Copenhagen criteria, is a fundamental pillar of good governance and accountability in democratic societies, which requires responsibility of media professionals at the same time. The European Union expects candidate and potential candidate countries, like all mature democracies, to implement this core democratic principle and to enable a varied, pluralistic debate in the public space.

„On the occasion the World Freedom of Press day, let me reiterate that freedom of expression and media is not ensured just by adopting laws and creating institutions – it is a fundamental value, which needs to be cherished by all societies and without which no democracy can function.“ said Commissioner Stefan Füle, in charge of Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy.

For further information: ELARG-A2-EVENTS@ec.europa.eu