EuroPolicy, o.z. and EURACTIV Slovakia, in cooperation with Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, cordially invite you to a conference titled Conference on Future of Media Freedom in Europe, which will be held on 16 November 2023 from 9:00 to 12:15 CET.
CHANGE OF VENUE OF CONFERENCE. The conference will take place at European Information Centre (Palisády 29, Bratislava).
About the conference
The independence and viability of quality media is nowadays threatened not only in autocratic and hybrid regimes but also in liberal democracies. The threats include abuse of so-called SLAPP suits, changes in media ownership, the need to innovate business models, the ability to cope with new trends, attacks by politicians on journalists and media, and restrictions on media freedom by state powers.
Independent and robust media is a prerequisite for a functioning democracy, not only for the EU member states but also for Eastern European countries and authoritarian regimes, where exile journalists play a key role in creating the conditions for a country's democratic transformation.
This conference aims to identify the threats and needs of journalists in Eastern Europe. This forum should create an opportunity for experience-sharing among journalists. Additionally, it should serve as a platform for transferring Slovak know-how in strengthening the safety of journalists. Further discussion should elaborate on the EU's media freedom initiatives and identify areas where Slovakia and the EU can help its neighbourhood.
Agenda
09:00 – 09:05 | Official opening
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Keynote speech by Marek Eštok, State secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic
- Keynote speech by Vladimír Šucha, Head of European Commission Representation in Slovakia
09:05 – 10:30 | Panel 1: Journalism in EU's neighborhood
Media freedom is a crucial part of democracy and good governance, especially an emerging or struggling one. Ensuring quality information and check on governments can in turn help in a country's EU membership bid. This provides a clear incentive for the EU to offer help its neighboring countries and journalists working from exile.
- What are the biggest threats journalists and media workers are facing in Eastern Europe and in exile?
- How can the EU and its members states help democracy work?
Panelists:
- Yulia Bankova, Journalist, Liga.net
- Alaksiej Dzikawicki, Deputy Director and Editor-in-Chief, BELSAT
- Martin Kačo, Director, CFSP Department, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic
Moderator:
- Barbara Zmušková, Editor, EURACTIV Slovakia
10:30 – 10:45 | Coffee break
10:45 – 12:15 | Panel 2: Making EU's media landscape future proof
The EU wants to become more assertive and outspoken when it comes to rule of law issues, including its European Media Freedom Act. In addition to addressing issues in its current member states, it should also be future benchmark for the European Union with 30+ members.
- What issues specific to Slovakia should be included in the EMFA?
- What relevant experience from Eastern Europe needs to be heard?
Panelists:
- Vladimír Bilčík, Member of the European Parliament (EPP)
- Tomáš Kozák, Director General, Directorate-General for European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic
- Jaba Devdariani, UNA-Georgia founder, leading member of Civil.ge’s editorial team
- Soňa Weissová, Radio Journalist, Head of World News Desk, RTVS
Moderator:
- Barbara Zmušková, Editor, EURACTIV Slovakia
12:15 | End of the conference
If you wish to attend this conference, please register here.
