“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]
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