South East Europe Media Organisation

22 YEARS OF SEEMO - A CULTURE OF DIALOGUE FOR PRESS FREEDOM

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Istria Media Days 12-15 October 2023

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XVI SOUTH EAST EUROPE MEDIA FORUM

#SEEMF2021: XV South East Europe Media Forum (SEEMF)– on 3 and 4 November 2021 in Belgrade in Serbia. Be part of the leading media event in this part of Europe with participants from more than 30 countries. Registration: info@seemf.org and info@seemo.org SEEMF by SEEMO, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Media Program SEE and the Central European Initiative (CEI) and with support of European Broadcasting Union, SECEPRO, II-IMC and IA.

#SEEMF2021: XV South East Europe Media Forum (SEEMF)– on 3 and 4 November 2021 in Belgrade in Serbia. Be part of the leading media event in this part of Europe with participants from more than 30 countries. Registration: info@seemf.org and info@seemo.org SEEMF by SEEMO, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Media Program SEE and the Central European Initiative (CEI) and with support of European Broadcasting Union, SECEPRO, II-IMC and IA.

#SEEMF2022: XVI South East Europe Media Forum (SEEMF)– on 16 and 17 November 2022 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.. Be part of the leading media event in this part of Europe with participants from more than 30 countries. Registration: info@seemf.org and info@seemo.org
SEEMF by SEEMO, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Media Program SEE and the Central European Initiative (CEI) and with support of European Broadcasting Union, SECEPRO, II-IMC and IA. No online coverage

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Interviews with SEEMO members

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European Media Freedom Act - Joint Statement

Vienna, 16 September 2022 - The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) today joins the undersigned journalists’, media freedom, and human rights organisations in welcoming the European Commission’s initiative to strengthen the free and pluralistic media system and the commitment to protect journalists and editorial independence within the European Union.

These values directly link to fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, the right to access to information, the formation of opinion, and making informed choices in elections, as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Vienna, 16 September 2022 - The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) today joins the undersigned journalists’, media freedom, and human rights organisations in welcoming the European Commission’s initiative to strengthen the free and pluralistic media system and the commitment to protect journalists and editorial independence within the European Union.

These values directly link to fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, the right to access to information, the formation of opinion, and making informed choices in elections, as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Vienna, 16 September 2022 - The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) today joins the undersigned journalists’, media freedom, and human rights organisations in welcoming the European Commission’s initiative to strengthen the free and pluralistic media system and the commitment to protect journalists and editorial independence within the European Union.

These values directly link to fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, the right to access to information, the formation of opinion, and making informed choices in elections, as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

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SEEMO Ukraine

An online international mission to assess the state of media freedom and the safety of journalists in Serbia took place from 28 January to 2 February 2021. The mission was led by ARTICLE 19 as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR). The Vienna South East Europe Media Organisation participated as observer.

An online international mission to assess the state of media freedom and the safety of journalists in Serbia took place from 28 January to 2 February 2021. The mission was led by ARTICLE 19 as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR). The Vienna South East Europe Media Organisation participated as observer.

25 February 2022: In view of the dramatic events unfolding before the eyes of the entire world, we would like to express our solidarity with the our members, colleagues, friends, partners, all journalists and entire Ukrainian society.

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CEI SEEMO AWARD 2021

The CEI and the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) have announced the winners of the “CEI SEEMO Award for Outstanding Merits in Investigative Journalism 2019”: Ermin Zatega (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Mubarek Asani (North Macedonia) in the section “Professional Journalists” and Arlis Alikaj (Albania) in the section “Young Professional Journalists”. A Special Mention was assigned to Jagoda Bastalic from Croatia, The jury also decided to bestow a special mention to Dina Djordjevic.

The CEI and the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) have announced the winners of the “CEI SEEMO Award for Outstanding Merits in Investigative Journalism 2019”: Ermin Zatega (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Mubarek Asani (North Macedonia) in the section “Professional Journalists” and Arlis Alikaj (Albania) in the section “Young Professional Journalists”. A Special Mention was assigned to Jagoda Bastalic from Croatia, The jury also decided to bestow a special mention to Dina Djordjevic.

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SEEMO Alarmed: Supreme Court liquidated the Belarusian Association of Journalists

An online international mission to assess the state of media freedom and the safety of journalists in Serbia took place from 28 January to 2 February 2021. The mission was led by ARTICLE 19 as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR). The Vienna South East Europe Media Organisation participated as observer.

An online international mission to assess the state of media freedom and the safety of journalists in Serbia took place from 28 January to 2 February 2021. The mission was led by ARTICLE 19 as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR). The Vienna South East Europe Media Organisation participated as observer.

On 27 August 2021 President Alexander Lukashenko’s regime liquidated Belarus’s only independent journalists’ association.

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Misson to Serbia 2021

An online international mission to assess the state of media freedom and the safety of journalists in Serbia took place from 28 January to 2 February 2021. The mission was led by ARTICLE 19 as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR). The Vienna South East Europe Media Organisation participated as observer.

An online international mission to assess the state of media freedom and the safety of journalists in Serbia took place from 28 January to 2 February 2021. The mission was led by ARTICLE 19 as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR). The Vienna South East Europe Media Organisation participated as observer.

An online international mission to assess the state of media freedom and the safety of journalists in Serbia took place from 28 January to 2 February 2021. The mission was led by ARTICLE 19 as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR). The Vienna South East Europe Media Organisation participated as observer.

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Misson to Slovenia 2021

An online international mission to assess the state of media freedom and the safety of journalists in Serbia took place from 28 January to 2 February 2021. The mission was led by ARTICLE 19 as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR). The Vienna South East Europe Media Organisation participated as observer.

An online international mission to assess the state of media freedom and the safety of journalists in Serbia took place from 28 January to 2 February 2021. The mission was led by ARTICLE 19 as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR). The Vienna South East Europe Media Organisation participated as observer.

Slovenia takes over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union in July 2021 amidst widespread concern from media freedom organisations, civil society groups, and European institutions about a steady deterioration of media freedom.

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BAD NEWS: 42 JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA WORKERS ARE IN JAIL IN TURKEY IN MAY 2021

According to different sources, there are at least 85 journalists and media workers in Turkey’s prisons, and Turkey is the second biggest jailer of journalists in the world.

According to different sources, there are at least 85 journalists and media workers in Turkey’s prisons, and Turkey is the second biggest jailer of journalists in the world.

In May 2021 in Turkey 42 journalists and media workers are in prison according to Turkey Journalists’ Syndicate – TGS (Türkiye Gazeteciler Sendikası – TGS).

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SEEMO: JOURNALISM DURING CORONA- CRISIS

Governments are taking in all countries necessary steps to stop the spread of COVID-19. Journalists play in this corona-time a crucial role in keeping the public informed. Free flow of news will be in the next weeks more essential than ever. We cannot accept that some governments are holding back information connected to COVID-19 or that some politicians or state authorities force media to delete and adjust stories about COVID-19. The only option in every crisis is professional reporting.

Governments are taking in all countries necessary steps to stop the spread of COVID-19 and we welcome this steps.
Journalists play in this corona-time a crucial role in keeping the public informed. Free flow of news will be in the next weeks more essential than ever. We cannot accept that some governments are holding back information connected to COVID-19 or that some politicians or state authorities force media to delete and adjust stories about COVID-19. The only option in every crisis is professional reporting. It is important more than ever before to take care about the source – disinformation and conspiracies are spreading unchecked via mobile phones and in social media. The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is calling on governments and leaders to respect the right of journalists to do their jobs unhindered, and also all journalists to respect professional standards in reporting.

Please inform SEEMO (Email: info@seemo.org) about any violation of press freedom also in this hard time.
According to the Covid 19 developments in Europe SEEMO decided all conferences and workshops to organise again normal starting from September 2022. Till September 2022 events will only be organized online or with smaller groups of participants in local hubs + with live streaming online / hybrid events. The protection and safety of conference participants and speakers is our priority.

Governments are taking in all countries necessary steps to stop the spread of COVID-19 and we welcome this steps.
Journalists play in this corona-time a crucial role in keeping the public informed. Free flow of news will be in the next weeks more essential than ever. We cannot accept that some governments are holding back information connected to COVID-19 or that some politicians or state authorities force media to delete and adjust stories about COVID-19. The only option in every crisis is professional reporting. It is important more than ever before to take care about the source – disinformation and conspiracies are spreading unchecked via mobile phones and in social media. The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is calling on governments and leaders to respect the right of journalists to do their jobs unhindered, and also all journalists to respect professional standards in reporting.

Dr. Ehrard Busek (1941-2022)

Chairman of the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe
Former Vice-Chancellor of Austria
Former Minister for Education and Cultural Affairs of Austria
Member of SEEMO BOARD OF ADVISORS

Prof. Johann P. Fritz (1940-2021)

Former Director International Press Institute
Member of SEEMO BOARD OF ADVISORS

Roberto Antonione, Secretary General, Central European Initiative (2020) October 18, 2020
Karin Kneissl, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Integration of Austria (2018) September 12, 2018
Sebastian Kurz , Minister for Foreign Affairs and Integration of Austria (2016) September 10, 2016
Ivo Josipović, President of Croatia (2014) September 13, 2014
Michael Spindelegger , Vice-Chancellor of the Republic of Austria and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Austria (2012) September 11, 2012
Erhard Busek, President of the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe, Vienna (2010) September 15, 2010

SEEMO is deeply shocked by the killing of journalist Giorgos Karaivaz in Athens, Greece, on 9 April 2021

SEEMO is deeply shocked by the killing of journalists 2022 in Ukraine:

1. Cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski
2. Journalist Oleksandra Kurshynova
3. Journalist Oxana Wiktorowna Baulina
4. Cameraman Evgeny (Yevhenii) Sakun
5. Filmmaker Brent Renaud
6. Military journalist Viktor Dudar (was not working as a journalist at the time)
7. Journalist Dilerbek Shakirov Shukurovich
8. Documentary photographer Maks Levin
9 Viktor Dedov (while not engaged in news gathering during bombing)
10. Mantas Kvedaravičius, Lithuanian filmmaker
11. Vera Gyrych, journalist and producer, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
12. Frédéric Leclerc-Imhoff, BFM TV, France

SEEMO: Joint Statements

In this section you can find SEEMO co-signed joint statements. Together we can change the world. Cooperation between organisations is important and is particularly relevant to addressing important press freedom violations.

Mission to Slovenia 2021

The report follows a two-week online mission to Slovenia carried out by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) between 24 May and 2 June 2021.

June 2021: Murder of journalist Milan Pantić, 20 years later

Milan Pantić

Gordana Suša
SEEMO MEMBER
(1946 –2021)

SUBMIT A REPORT / INFORMATION ABOUT A PRESS FREEDOM VIOLATION

SEEMO Missions, Visits, Events and Meetings

seemo-gallery-2018-01 — Meeting with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, January 2018

round-table-ukraine — Round table: Ukraine – Dialog statt Monolog, Vienna, 2017. Photo by Johanna Bickel

meeting-in-pristina-december-2016-01 — Meeting in Pristina 16 December 2016: Enver Hoxhaj Kosovo Minister for Foreign Affairs and Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO

romania — SEEMO Conference Bucharest, Prime Minster of Romania Victor Ponta and SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic (Bucharest, Romania, 2014)

istanbul-december-2016-seemo-supports — Istanbul 10 December 2016, SEEMO supports: Support for journalists in Turkey-since the coup attempt 120 journalists have been jailed

freedom-of-expression-vienna-december-2016-01 — Panel discussion Freedom of Expression in the Danube and the Black. Sea Area: Case Serbia, by Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) and South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) - Vienna, December 2016

International Journalism Festival (Perugia #ijf16) - panel by SEEMO and CEI: Who's fighting against corruption in SE Europe: the media or the police? With Barbara Fabro, Saša Leković,Cristian Niculescu, Aleksandra Bogdani, Milorad Ivanovic and Oliver Vujovic

SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic in a panel, ECPMF, Leipzig, October 2016

SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic with Slovenian Justice Minister Goran Klemenčič (first from right) in November 2014

SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic, during a meeting with the members of the Slovenian Parliament, Ljubljana, November 2014

International CPJ-IPI-SEEMO delegation meeting with the President of CHP party (Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi) Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, Ankara, Turkey, October 2014

Meeting SEEMO-IPI delgation with the Minister of Justice of Slovenia, Goran Klemenčič, and his staff advisor, Ljubljana, Slovenia, November 2014

AJC Intensive Seminar at the Department of Communication, University Vienna, 8 July 2015, Current Issues in European Media- and Communication Studies, organised for a delegation of journalists from Vietnam. Guest lecture by Oliver Vujovic

Rome, Italy - Parliament with Radomir Licina, SEEMO Board member

Violence Against Newspersons, Athens, Greece, World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2017 by European Communication Institute, with the support of the European Parliament and in cooperation with Media Governance & Industries Research Lab of University of Vienna, Journalists about Journalism (J.A.J), and S.E.E.M.O

4-1 — 24 October 2016 , Koch Hall of the Italian Senate, Radomir Licina SEEMO Board member, discussion on the Italian situation of assaulted journalists and the unpunished guilty.

24 October 2016, Rome, Koch Hall of the Italian Senate, Celebration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) Radomir Licina SEEMO Board member, with Mehdi Benchelah UNESCO's Senior Project Officer at Section for Freedom of Expression (left) and the director of Ossigeno per l'Informazione Alberto Spampinato (right)

24 October 2016, Rome, Koch Hall of the Italian Senate, Celebration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI). From left: Radomir Licina SEEMO Board member, Alinda Vermeer MLDI's Senior Legal Officer, Alberto Spampinato Director of Ossigeno per l'Informazone, Giuseppe F. Mennella, secretary of Ossigeno per l'Informazione

Joint ECPMF Fact-finding mission in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia / FYROM, 25th-28th April 2017 SEEMO Mission member is SEEMO expert and member, Mtija Mersol, former editor in cheif of daily Delo Ljubljana, Slovenia

Berlin 2017, Study visit organised by German KAS

seemo-panel-migrant-deaths-december-2016 — December 2016: SEEMO Panel discussion "Migrant deaths along the Romanian border during Communism and the STASI's hand in them" with Marina Constantinoiu, Istvan Deak, Georg Herbstritt und Oliver Vujovic — at Fachhochschule des bfi, Vienna

seemo-mission-croatia-june-2016-meeting-with-the-president-of-croatia — Meeting with the President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović (#missionCroatia2016), June 2016

seemo-gallery-2018-05 — SEEMF 2017, Sofia, Bulgaria

seemo-gallery-2018-04 — Pristina Media Days 2017

seemo-gallery-2018-03 — Pristina Media Days 2017 - Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi and SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic (May 2017)

seemo-gallery-2018-02 — Meeting with President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, January 2018

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SEEMO PARTNERS SINCE 2000

From SEEMO Past Activities

BUSEK AWARD 2019

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) has announced that Boro Kontić, Director and founder of Media Center, Sarajevo, is the winner of the 2019 Dr. Erhard Busek – SEEMO Award for Better Understanding in South East Europe.

Mission to Albania 2019

From 18-21 June 2019, we undertook an international freedom of expression mission to Albania, comprised of the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), ARTICLE 19, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the International Press Institute (IPI), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO).

MISSION TO CROATIA 2018

Press freedom mission to Croatia on 15 and 16 January 2018

MISSION TO SERBIA 2018

Press freedom mission to Serbia on 18 and 19 January 2018

Mission to Turkey 2020

Turkey’s press freedom crisis is worsening amid growing state capture of media, the lack of independence of regulatory institutions, and a new social media law designed to clamp down on the remaining spaces for free comment, a coalition of 11 international press freedom, journalism and human rights groups warned following a four-day mission to the country last week. They also flagged the continued jailing and prosecution of journalists as well as ongoing concerns over the safety of journalists and judicial independence.

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