The aim of the Regional Conference was to gather representatives of the Public Broadcasting Services, relevant Ministries, regulatory authorities and non-governmental organisations from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, "The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo¹ and discuss independence, financing, the role and functioning of Public Broadcasting Service in the digital age.

The presentations given by the experts provided overview of the European standards concerning the independence of public service broadcasting and reminded that:

• Public service remit must be clearly and accurately defined and must be adapted to the new media environment;
• PSM Governance must be open and transparent;
• Funding must be sufficient, appropriate, and long-term.

Different models of financing of PBS in Europe and overall guaranties for independence related to  regulatory framework, funding, appointments and editorial capacities were presented and disused. Participants of the conference shared experiences of their countries and information about challenges related to digitalisation process and new opportunities.

¹ “All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in the project documents shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.”