The goal of the Ministry of Culture and Media (MKM) is to create a safe, responsible and pluralistic media environment, said the relevant minister, Tamara Vujović.
During her official visit to Athens, she spoke with the Member of the Greek Prime Minister's Office in charge of the media and information sector and government spokesperson, Pavlos Marinakis.
It was announced at the meeting that Montenegro is particularly interested in adopting good practices from Greece, especially when it comes to harmonization with new European directives, the use of artificial intelligence in the media, and mechanisms for improving the safety of journalists.
"Also, Montenegro highly appreciates Greece's willingness to share its experiences in the implementation of European regulations in the field of media freedom and provide support for strengthening regional cooperation in the areas of media, harmful digital content, SLAPP lawsuits and the like," the statement added.
The meeting, as announced by the MKM, took place in the spirit of open dialogue and mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of media policies, as well as providing support to Montenegro on its European path.
As it is added, a special focus of the conversation was on media reforms, the fight against disinformation and hate speech, as well as the challenges brought by digital platforms and new technologies.
Vujović emphasized that harmonization with European legislation – primarily with the Digital Services Act and the Freedom of the Media Act – is one of the Ministry's key priorities.
"Our goal is to create a safe, responsible and pluralistic media environment," said Vujović.
She added that this is precisely why they are planning to form an interdepartmental working group that will include representatives of competent institutions and civil society organizations, in order to prepare comprehensive legal solutions by the end of the second quarter of next year, which is one of the final benchmarks on the European path.
"In this context, Montenegro is particularly interested in exchanging experiences with Greece, especially when it comes to the application of artificial intelligence in the media and the protection of journalists," the MKM statement said.
Vujović particularly emphasized the importance of cooperation with Professor Nikos Panagiota, an expert in the field of journalist safety.
Marinakis, as reported, emphasized that Greece strongly supports Montenegro's European path.
He emphasized that Greece will provide concrete support to Montenegro in further fulfilling its obligations on the path to membership in the European Union (EU), expressing confidence that Montenegro will be a positive example of the successful enlargement process of the Union.
Vujović thanked Greece for its continued support for Montenegro's European perspective.
She said that Greece has consistently emphasized the need for the Western Balkan countries to become part of the EU.
This, she added, is a position first expressed at the Thessaloniki Summit back in 2003, and reiterated at the celebration of its 20th anniversary, organized by Prime Minister Mitsotakis - that without the Western Balkans, there is no stable and complete EU.
Vujović pointed out that the temporary closure of negotiation chapter 10 is a significant step towards Montenegro's full membership in the EU.
Marinakis confirmed Greece's readiness to share its experiences in implementing European regulations in the field of media freedom, to further strengthen regional cooperation in the fight against harmful digital content, to improve the safety of journalists, and to establish clear procedures for transparency of media ownership and spending of public funds on advertising.
He also expressed full support for Montenegro's reform efforts, describing them as an important contribution to strengthening democratic capacities in the region.
After the meeting with Marinakis, the Montenegrin delegation held a meeting with the Secretary General for Media and Communications in the Government, Dimitrios Galamatis.
It is stated that representatives of the Greek secretariat, through a detailed presentation, introduced the delegation from Montenegro to the institutional framework, regulatory mechanisms and practical models of the functioning of the public communication system and media policies in Greece.
It is added that experiences were exchanged regarding the challenges of digital transformation, the use of artificial intelligence in the media space, mechanisms for protecting journalists, as well as institutional approaches to combating disinformation.
“Particular attention was paid to the way Greece implements European regulations, including EMFA and DSA, with an emphasis on inter-ministerial coordination and the adaptation of the legislative framework to European standards,” the statement added.
MKM stated that the commitment to partnership and support for Montenegro as a country leading the European integration process was confirmed by the announcement of the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of media and information, which the two sides will formalize after agreement.
Vujović, it is added, expressed the expectation that a visit by Greek officials to Montenegro at, as she stated, the highest or high level will soon be realized, and added that such a visit would be warmly welcomed.
"Our two countries cherish open, friendly, historical and cultural ties and we hope that cooperation will further expand, which this visit certainly indicates," concluded Vujović.
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