Transnational Advocacy for Freedom of Information in the Western Balkans

ATLIB 3

This project focuses on the link between the rule of law, media freedom, and the EU enlargement process in the Western Balkans. After focusing on Albania and Serbia (ATLIB 1) and on Montenegro and North Macedonia (ATLIB 2), the third edition will examine Bosnia and Herzegovina, an EU candidate since 2022, and Kosovo, considered a potential candidate for accession.

Both countries undergo annual EU reviews of their internal reform processes, which include assessments of the state of media freedom. The project aims to strengthen cooperation among civil society actors from the Western Balkans, Italy, and Europe, enhancing civic actors’ advocacy capacities for the protection of free and independent journalism and supporting a structured participation of civil society in the European integration process.

OBCT, together with the Media Centar of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Association of Journalists of Kosovo, will produce two shadow reports on the accession negotiations, with particular attention to media freedom and the rule of law, and will promote opportunities for exchanging good practices and raising awareness among national and European public opinion.