Montenegro must urgently adopt its own Media Freedom Act to align with European Union standards and emphasize the critical role of independent media services in society, according to statements from the Association for Responsible and Sustainable Development (Udruženje za odgovorni i održivi razvoj – UZOR – https://uzor.me/), founded 2019, and the Association of Professional Journalists of Montenegro (Društvo profesionalnih novinara Crne Gore – DPNCG – https://dpncg.com/). According to UZOR and DPNCG representatives, this move is essential for the country’s continued progress on the path toward European integration.
They stressed that the adoption of several laws, including media laws, has been recognized through Montenegro’s attainment of Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR), signaling substantial progress in aligning with EU standards. Obtaining the IBAR represents a significant step in the EU integration process. IBAR represents an assessment of how much a candidate country has fulfilled the interim benchmarks in Chapter 23 – Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, and Chapter 24 – Justice, Freedom, and Security.” However, further steps are necessary, especially in ensuring media freedom.
Additionally, transparent procedures for appointing and dismissing media directors and board directors would secure independence of public services. The act would also ensure better ensure the confidentiality and protection of journalistic sources and provide transparency in media ownership, making it clear to the public who controls the media and whose interests might influence reporting.
The new law would further require media outlets to disclose any funding received from state advertising, state financial support, and financial assistance from third countries, following the example of European regulations.
By adopting the Montenegrin Act on Media Freedom in accordance with the European Act on Media Freedom, Montenegro would secure respect of the editorial freedom and independence of media service providers.
The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), fully supports a Montenegrin Act on Media Freedom in accordance with the international standards. SEEMO encourages continued efforts in strengthening judicial independence, media freedom, and fundamental rights to ensure transparency and democracy.
South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.
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