MEP launches professional development program for journalists to report on the EU integration process

The two-day workshop held on July 2 and 3 in Kolašin officially launched the program "Journalists for the EU - Reporting on the EU Integration Process", implemented by the Ministry of European Affairs (MEA), in cooperation with UNOPS, a specialized UN agency in the areas of infrastructure, procurement and project management, and the EU4ME project funded by the European Union, the MEP announced today.

As they said, the program is intended for journalists from national and local media who deal with EU issues, with the aim of strengthening their capacities for professional, analytical and ethical reporting on key aspects of Montenegro's accession process to the European Union.

"During the two-day training, ten journalists from eight national and two local media outlets had the opportunity to learn about the strategic and technical aspects of EU integration, IPA funds, cross-border cooperation, the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the role of the media in this complex process through interactive sessions and workshops," the statement said.

As announced, Montenegro's Chief Negotiator with the EU, Predrag Zenović, and State Secretary at the Ministry of European Affairs, Biljana Papović, spoke to journalists about the technical and political aspects of the negotiation process.

"The media is an indispensable ally in this process - they shape public perception, open space for dialogue and call for accountability. That is why it is important that we speak about European integration clearly, accurately and with arguments. Communication of the negotiation process is not a side activity, but an integral part of the European transformation of our society. Citizens have the right to know where we are in the accession negotiations, what the obstacles are and what the opportunities are," said Zenović, speaking about the importance of professional media reporting.

He added that professional reporting contributes to building trust and a broader social consensus on the need and dynamics of European reforms.

"The Ministry of European Affairs and I, as the chief negotiator, remain open to cooperation with all journalists and editorial offices that wish to contribute to objective, critical and constructive monitoring of Montenegro's European path," said Zenović.

State Secretary, Biljana Papović, emphasized the role of the media as a partner to institutions in European integration.

"European integration is a national priority, and the media are our key allies in that process. We need informed and professional journalists who will bring European topics closer to citizens, convey the truth about reforms, and contribute to strengthening trust in the integration process itself. With this training, we aim to build a strong partnership with the media, in order to provide accurate, timely, and understandable information about the course of negotiations with the European Union and the real effects of reforms on the everyday lives of citizens," said Papović.

As stated in the press release, special attention during the workshop was paid to the opportunities provided by EU funds, Interreg and territorial cooperation programs.

Director General of the Directorate for European Territorial Cooperation Miloš Marković emphasized the importance of territorial cooperation:

"European territorial cooperation programs represent an important instrument for connecting Montenegro with neighboring countries and the EU and enable the implementation of joint projects, access to funds and strengthening the capacities of local and state institutions, while also making a strong contribution to regional development and preparation for EU membership," said Marković.

Head of the Directorate for Coordination of EU Financial Support, Irena Bošković, presented the available European Union support programs, with an emphasis on the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

"The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is a comprehensive instrument that not only accelerates our path towards EU membership, but also brings concrete benefits to citizens through new jobs, better services and stronger economic development," said Bošković.

According to MEPs, the second day of the training focused on developing practical journalistic skills. Long-time Brussels correspondent Augustin Palokaj held a workshop on techniques for reporting on EU issues, fact-checking and working with EU sources.

"I think workshops like this are extremely important. I myself, during the Croatian negotiation process, participated in similar trainings and visited countries like Poland and Estonia in order to understand their experiences firsthand. The enlargement process and the functioning of the European Union itself are very complex, and therefore it is crucial that journalists are well prepared - so that they first understand the processes themselves, and then convey this information to citizens in a clear and accessible manner. For Montenegro, which has been negotiating for 13 years and is close to the final stage, it is extremely important that the media focus on the content, benefits and consequences of membership. This is why workshops like this, as well as study visits to Brussels and the new member states, are of invaluable value," said Palokaj.

Participants also shared their experiences and impressions about the importance of the workshop.

"The workshop was very important for us journalists as someone who is an important social actor in spreading accurate information and awareness about this process. The workshop showed great interest and a high level of interactivity. All praise for the organization, lecturers and concept," said Aleksandar Lutovac, a journalist for the daily newspaper Dan.

Milica Kapa, ​​a journalist at RTCG, said that this was a very useful experience.

"It was only through concrete examples and conversations with lecturers who are directly involved in the EU accession process that I realized how complex and multi-layered this process is. It was especially meaningful to me that we talked about how to bring these topics closer to citizens in a clear and understandable way. I am motivated to approach reporting on this area more carefully and responsibly in the future."

The MEP said that the program "Journalists for the EU - Reporting on the EU Integration Process" will continue throughout 2025 through a series of thematic briefings, visits to successful EU projects in Montenegro, as well as a study visit to Brussels.

"The initiative aims to contribute to a better understanding of the EU process and better information for the Montenegrin public," the statement concludes.