The expert support of European partners was crucial in shaping media laws that will ensure freedom of expression, greater rights of journalists and greater media responsibility, according to European standards and directives, said Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović.
She stated this in the newsletter, which the Ministry of Culture and Media (MKM) sent to diplomats, ie European partners, who provided expert support in the process of drafting the law, which, she said, will significantly improve the media sector.
"The consistent application of media laws is the most important task in the future, in order to create a media space in which high standards of reporting will be respected and in which credible and effective self-regulatory bodies, along with media literate and active people, will additionally contribute to the integrity and professionalism of the media," said Vujović.
She said that the adoption of the law on media, audiovisual media services and public media service represents significant progress in improving the position and freedom of the media, and democratic principles.
"The laws are the result of a long-term consultation process with all interested parties, including the media, non-governmental organizations, trade unions, as well as our valued international partners," Vujović said.
She, as reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, said that the expert support of Montenegro's European partners was crucial in shaping the law, which, as she stated, will ensure freedom of expression, greater rights of journalists and greater responsibility of the media, according to European standards and directives.
"Their unanimous adoption in the Assembly was the result of the responsibility and maturity of all political subjects who, aware of the importance of receiving a positive Report on the fulfillment of temporary criteria, recognized the Government's effort to bring the processes important for the well-being of citizens to an end as soon as possible," Vujović assessed.
According to her, transparency, responsibility and professionalism are the foundations on which to build the media sector and have objectively informed citizens.
"We have improved the legislative framework, and our future most important task is the consistent application of the adopted laws, in order to successfully respond to new challenges and technological changes in the media landscape," said Vujović.
She said that she will create a media space in which high reporting standards will be respected.
"Which is key for informing citizens and the healthy functioning of a democratic society, and credible and effective self-regulatory bodies, along with media literate and active structures, will additionally contribute to the integrity and professionalism of the media," Vujović added.
Vujović thanked the international partners for recognizing the efforts invested in the process that resulted in the adoption of three important laws.
"Thank you and that in the future we will work together on their successful application, as well as improving the media framework of Montenegro, the first future member of the European Union," said Vujović.
She reminded that the diversity of perspectives and opinions was provided by the working group composed of representatives of the Government, the civil sector, the media, and trade unions.
"Council of Europe experts gave their opinion on draft media laws twice, the first time after putting the draft law up for public debate in November 2022, and the second time just before sending the draft laws to the European Commission (EC) in March of this year." said Vujović.
She added that the EC gave a positive opinion on the proposals for media laws immediately before their adoption in the Assembly.
As she pointed out, the new legal solutions are qualitatively different compared to the previous ones and significantly contribute to media pluralism, protect the rights, freedom and safety of journalists.
Vujović added that the new legal solutions free the editorial office from political influence, strengthen local public broadcasters and the role of an independent regulator, enable citizens to watch more domestic production and content of public interest.
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