Strengthening institutional protection mechanisms, improving coordination between police and prosecution services, and developing a strategic framework for the protection of journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina were highlighted as key conclusions of a conference on the safety of journalists, held on 10 March in Sarajevo. The event brought together 62 representatives of prosecution offices, police authorities, public institutions, media organisations and civil society.

Participants noted progress in recent years, particularly through the establishment of a network of contact points for the safety of journalists within prosecution offices and police administrations across Bosnia and Herzegovina. These contact points have helped improve understanding within police and prosecutorial structures of the nature of journalistic work and the importance of protecting freedom of expression.

At the same time, participants stressed the need to further strengthen the visibility of these contact points, improve co-operation among institutions at different levels of governance, and ensure continuous training on standards related to the protection of journalism.

Participants also highlighted the need for greater clarity when it comes to the roles and responsibilities of institutions, the judiciary, the police, regulatory bodies, the journalistic community and civil society in protecting journalists. Such an approach should support more coordinated and sustainable protection of journalism in line with European standards and the recommendations of the Council of Europe.

The conference also underlined the importance of recognising gender-specific risks faced by women journalists, particularly in the context of online attacks and harassment. Participants emphasised that protecting journalists is not only a matter of individual safety but also a key condition for safeguarding freedom of expression and democratic processes.

Continued cooperation between institutions, the media community and international partners was highlighted as essential for ensuring a safer and more supportive environment for journalism in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The conference was organised as part of the action “Protecting freedom of expression and of the media in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PRO-FREX)”, implemented under the European Union and Council of Europe’s joint programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye,” and the Council of Europe project “Strengthening information integrity in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, funded under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026-2029.