What is the goal and objective of the action?

The Project “Promoting Media Professionalism and Freedom of Information in Azerbaijan” aims to contribute to improving the landscape for media and information society in Azerbaijan by strengthening the national legislation and its practice, as well as boosting media professionalism. To accomplish this objective, the Project supports the implementation of activities addressing the need for legislative and institutional reforms, capacity-building for media professionals and social media representatives, as well as legal professionals including judges, prosecutors and lawyers.

The Project is implemented as part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Azerbaijan 2022-2026 and builds upon the achievements of the previous Council of Europe Project "Reinforcing gender equality and other ethical standards in Azerbaijani media," which was implemented from 2019 to 2022.

 Funding: The total project budget is EUR 1 325 540

 Duration of the project: 1 July 2022 to 31 December 2026

Who benefits from the action?

• Parliament of Azerbaijan (Milli Mejlis)
• Office of Azerbaijan President (Azərbaycan Respublikasının Prezidentinin Administrasiyası)
• Azerbaijan Media Development Agency
• Azerbaijan Press Council
• Media organisations and media outlets
• Supreme Court of Azerbaijan
• Justice Academy of the Ministry of Justice
• Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan
• Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan
• Ombudsperson Office of Azerbaijan

How does the action work?

Through a combination of tailored policy/legislative, capacity-building and awareness raising actions.

What do we expect to achieve?

• Strengthened legal framework on data protection and access to information in line with the Council of Europe standards.
• Enhanced ethical and professional standards in conflict sensitive journalism, media and information literacy and improved media reporting of social and political events.