AJM and EFJ with joint efforts for media freedom and democracy in Macedonia

Representatives from the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM), including President Mladen Chadikovski and Executive Director Dragan Sekulovski, along with Ricardo Gutierrez, Secretary General of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), held a series of meetings with leaders of key institutions in Macedonia.

Work meetings were held with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, President of the Parliament Afrim Gashi, Minister of Justice Igor Filkov, and EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas.

During the meeting with the Prime Minister and representatives of the Cabinet, Chadikovski, and Gutierrez raised important issues regarding improving working conditions for media professionals and aligning the legal framework with European standards. Discussions focused on enhancing media workers’ conditions, ensuring transparency and inclusivity in drafting laws to advance the media sector and protect freedom of expressionon, establishing anti-SLAPP mechanisms and a media pluralism fund to create a stable and fair media environment.

In Parliament, attention was given to the current state of the media landscape and the importance of further advancing media freedom and journalist independence. AJM emphasized the need for a professional approach in selecting members of the Media Council of the Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services (AVMU), a process currently underway, highlighting the necessity for a journalist community representative within this critical body. They appealed for the selection process to consider candidates’ professionalism and independence.

At the meeting with the Justice Minister, discussions included the challenges journalists face in their work, SLAPP lawsuits that exert financial and psychological pressure on journalists while undermining public interest, and the need for collaborative efforts to reform laws in line with European standards.

Ambassador Rokas and his associates were informed about the need for mechanisms to protect journalists from malicious lawsuits that threaten media freedom. Proposals for a media pluralism fund were also presented to ensure financial stability for independent media and safeguard public interest. Continued support and assistance from the EU Delegation were sought to advance media freedom and democratic values in the country.

These meetings represent a significant step toward advancing media freedom and strengthening democratic standards in the Republic of North Macedonia.

Photos: Assembly of North Macedonia, Ministry of Justice, EU Delegation, AJM