The Fourth Steering Committee Meeting of the action “Protecting Freedom of Expression and of the Media in North Macedonia (PRO-FREX)” was held in Skopje, bringing together key representatives from public institutions, civil society, and international partners, to review progress and define future priorities.

Implemented under the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, the action continues to support North Macedonia in aligning its legal and institutional framework with European standards on freedom of expression, media freedom, and access to information. Participants used the meeting to reflect on three years of progress, emphasizing key improvements in strengthening institutional capacities to protect journalists and make the media environment safer. Concrete discussions focused on how the action helps journalists and media professionals strengthen freedom of expression in everyday practice. They underlined that the targeted support for actors in the field has led to better alignment with European standards and improved protections for journalists.

Key results presented during the meeting included:

• Strengthened capacities of judges, prosecutors, and lawyers on freedom of expression, hate speech, and protection of journalists, exceeding planned targets;
• Enhanced knowledge of media professionals on ethical reporting and handling SLAPP cases;
• Improved institutional responses to access to information and data protection, including alignment with the Tromsø Convention;
• Continued efforts to strengthen media regulation and address emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence in the media space.

Looking ahead to 2026, Steering Committee members reviewed and endorsed key priorities, including:

• Further strengthening efforts to ensure the protection and safety of journalists;
• Promoting inclusive and accessible media services;
• Enhancing the overall media environment and regulatory practices;
• Continuing capacity-building support for key stakeholders and institutions.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment from all stakeholders to continue working collaboratively to ensure a resilient, transparent, and rights-based media environment in North Macedonia, in line with Council of Europe standards and the country’s European integration path.

This meeting was organised within the framework of the project“Protecting freedom of expression and of the media in North Macedonia” under the joint European Union and the Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.