EFEx Newsroom
New online course strengthens understanding of access to official information
A new online course on access to official information within international and domestic legal frameworks has been launched by the Civil Service Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with support from the Council of Europe. The course is designed for civil servants in Bosnia and Herzegovina and for...
Continued efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina to strengthen free speech and protect journalists
Key local and international actors met in Sarajevo on 11 and 12 December to continue working on creating an enabling environment for journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina to do their jobs safely, and that free expression is protected for everyone. The 12th meeting of the Working Group on...
BiH institutions boost capacities on freedom of expression and privacy rights
BiH institutions, independent bodies and civil society actors are strengthening their skills and knowledge to apply freedom of expression and access-to-information standards more effectively in domestic practice. This week in Jahorina, members of the Cross-Coordinating Working Group on Monitoring...
Defamation, SLAPPs, and democracy: Protecting the space for public debate in BiH
Continued education of legal professionals is key to applying European standards consistently, harmonising court practices, and shortening legal proceedings to ensure that the space for public debate in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains open and free. These were among the key conclusions of the...
Freedom of expression in focus: Bosnia and Herzegovina takes a step forward in advancing protection of journalists
The 11th meeting of the Cross-Coordinating Working Group on Monitoring and Reporting on Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Information in Bosnia and Herzegovina brought together key institutional and expert voices this week in Mostar. This was an opportunity to take stock of progress and work...
New guidance urges caution on the use of criminal law to curb freedom of expression
The Council of Europe has released new guidance aimed at limiting the use of criminal law to restrict freedom of expression, warning against the growing trend of its disproportionate application. The guide offers a detailed overview of the European Court of Human Rights’ case law, underlining the...
Learning from good European practices to advance freedom of information and expression in Bosnia and Herzegovina
On 12 June, representatives from key institutions, independent bodies, and civil society organisations convened in Sarajevo to discuss good European practices for monitoring and reporting on human rights, with a particular emphasis on freedom of expression and information. Discussions focused on...
Institutions and journalists collaborate towards stronger media environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Promoting open dialogue to strengthen protection mechanisms for journalists and ensure a free and responsible media space in Bosnia and Herzegovina was the focus of a two-day conference concluded today in Igman. The event was organised by the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and...
Bosnia and Herzegovina step closer to systematic monitoring and reporting on freedom of expression and information
Institutional work continued this week in Sarajevo on finalising the first Pilot Report on freedom of expression and free access to information in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The report aims to support the country in fully implementing these freedoms in line with European standards. Relevant state...
Enhanced freedom of expression in Bosnia and Herzegovina through a Council of Europe training on defamation and SLAPPs
A two-day training session dedicated to the promotion and protection of freedom of expression, with a specialised focus on the legal aspects of defamation and strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), was held on 25-26 March 2025 on Jahorina. The event brought together...
