In the framework of “CI-EU-NPA “Improving the Debate on Policies and Accountability to fulfill basic rights through the creation of the Platform for Negotiations of Cluster I Albania” , “Media and EU” conference was held under the moderation of journalists Neritan Sejamini and Ola Mitre. Until now, there has been little interest in the European integration process in the media, beyond the reporting of events and political issues, technical issues, such as rules, procedures, deadlines, actors, and technical content have not been covered in detail in the Albanian media. The lack of independence from political and economic interests, limited financial resources and the lack of human professional skills are some of the reasons for the weakness of media coverage of the accession negotiations. Part of the panel of this conference was the ambassador of the Netherlands, Mr. Reinout Vos and the ambassador of Spain Mr. Alvaro Renedo Zalba, Mr. André Rizzo, Head of European Integration, Political, Press and Information Section, MP Ina Zhupa, as well as the deputy director of the Media and Communication Agency, Mr. Alteo Hysi, as well as a well-known editors and journalists in our country.

The conference focused on the informative role of the media in relation to the accession negotiations. Its purpose was to provide an overview of media coverage and information on all aspects of the accession process and to discuss the capacities and difficulties of the media in fulfilling this role. Special attention was given to the access to information of the EU and government institutions, and their role in supporting the informative role of the media. Empowering the media is a priority for Albania’s European integration and membership negotiations. As an element of freedom of expression and pluralism of the media is an obligation as part of chapter 23 of the negotiations — Judiciary and Fundamental Rights — and indirectly as part of the chapters on competition policies, consumer protection, etc.

“C1-EU-NPA” – Platforma e Shoqërisë Civile për negociatat e Grupit të Parë të Kapitujve (#CLUSTER1) me Bashkimin Evropian” mbështetur nga Embassy of the Netherlands in Albania