Goal and objectives of the project

Implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026, the project “Promoting Freedom of Expression, Media and Access to Information in Armenia” aims to strengthen safeguards for freedom of expression and support ongoing legislative reforms in this area. It aims to enhance the capacities of the national audiovisual regulator and the public broadcaster, while also reinforcing the institutional efforts of relevant Armenian authorities and stakeholders (Ministry of Justice, Human Rights Defender’s Office, Central Electoral Commission). The project further supports measures to counter disinformation and promote media literacy, particularly in the pre-election period. In addition, it promotes legislative and practical steps to address Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) in line with Council of Europe standards, and contributes to the harmonisation of domestic legislation on access to information with the provisions of the Tromsø Convention.

 

 Budget

400 000 EUR

 

 Duration

1 January 2026 – 31 December 2026

(Implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026)

 

 How Does the Project Work?

The project is composed of three interconnected components:

  • Component 1: Support the Ministry of Justice and other state institutions to advance currently ongoing and planned reforms of the legislative and regulatory framework governing freedom of expression, media and countering SLAPPs in Armenia.
  • Component 2: Strengthen the institutional capacity of the relevant national authorities and stakeholders, including the Commission on TV and Radio of Armenia (national audiovisual regulator), Central Electoral Commission and the staff of the Human Rights Defender (Ombudsperson) on media coverage of elections, countering information disorder, improving media literacy and enhancing the society’s resilience to disinformation. Support civil society organisations and major nation-wide media outlets, including the public broadcaster, in addressing disinformation challenges and narratives, enhancing gender-sensitive reporting, as well as support to media professionals and other stakeholders in the realm of promoting ethical, unbiased reporting and content diversification. 
  • Component 3: Enhance the legal and institutional framework on Freedom of Access to Information in line with Council of Europe standards, including the Tromsø Convention on Access to Official Documents”. 

 

 Who Benefits from the Project?

  • Relevant national authorities, including the Ministry of Justice; Ministry of High-Tech Industry; Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport; the Commission on TV and Radio of Armenia; Human Rights Defender’s Staff; Central Electoral Commission
  • Public TV Company of Armenia, major nation-wide outlets, journalists
  • Media community and civil society organisations
  • General public.

 

 What Do We Expect to Achieve?

The project’s overall objective (impact) is that citizens of Armenia exercise more effectively the right to freedom of expression.

Expected results include:

  • Enhanced effectiveness of relevant national authorities and stakeholders in addressing issues related to freedom of expression/media, including through a comprehensive reform of the legal, policy, and regulatory environment.
  • Strengthened media content diversity, based on unbiased, ethical and quality reporting, which would contribute to decrease of information disorder, disinformation and safety of journalists.
  • Enhanced legal and institutional framework on Freedom of Access to Information in line with the Council of Europe standards, including Tromsø Convention.

 

 Reference Documents

"Everyone has the right to freedom of expression"

Art. 10 European Convention on Human Rights

CoE field office
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