The programme "Protecting human rights, rule of law and democracy through shared standards in the Southern Mediterranean" (South Programme V) is a joint initiative between the European Union and the Council of Europe over the period 2022 - 2025 with the objective to continue the support to democratic reforms in the Southern Mediterranean through the establishment of a common legal space between Europe and this region.

With regard to its component Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, the project aims at promoting quality of journalism and pluralism media as Fundamental Rights to ensure democratic, accountable and open societies. By addressing common challenges posed by the changing digital media environment, the Council of Europe has been thriving to create awareness on better environment for quality journalism and strengthen capacities among relevant bodies, civil society and professional organizations on media and information literacy. The objective of this regional project will be achieved through three inter-connected lines of action focusing on:

• Enhancing quality of journalism by reinforcing the existing institutional networks and support the establishment of formal and informal platforms of exchanges.
• Promoting Access to Information through awareness raising and adherence processes (Tromsø Convention)
• Implementing policy priority reforms at national level while addressing common challenges.

• Project summary: Freedom of Expression, Pluralistic Media and Access to Information (FEX-PM-ATI)
• Presentation: intermediate outcomes, immediate outcomes and outputs
• First Steering Committee Presentation
• Areas of intervention