In the presence of Mr. Aleksandar Andrija Pejović, Minister, Ministry of European Affairs, Montenegro, and H.E. Ambassador Aivo Orav, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, more than 80 participants from Ministers, journalists and media actors took part to the kick off meeting of the Montenegro Media Sector Inquiry on the 11th of September.

In the framework of the European Integration Process, the European Commission suggested the preparation of  the media sector inquiry under the JUFREX programme, aiming to support Montenegro to launch a "National Action Plan on AVMS Policy". The findings and recommendations of this inquiry will serve as a guide for setting and implementing national media policies, and preparation of the more detailed and substantial action plan under Chapters 23/24.

“The starting point for the analysis will be the Council of Europe standards regarding the freedom of expression and freedom of the media as well as EU relevant reports and documents”, said Lejla Dervišagić, Head of Cooperation Unit, Media and Internet Division, Information Society Department, Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law, Council of Europe, Strasbourg.

A panel of six international experts will undertake the assessment visits as the first step of this pilot initiative which concludes by January 2018.