Over the previous three years, important work has been done in promoting freedom of expression and media, but further efforts in developing understanding among media actors, judges, prosecutors, lawyers and other relevant actors are needed. Developing a common terminology is an important step towards better understanding and co-operation – this was a conclusion of the meeting organised to summarise results of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Reinforcing Judicial Expertise on Freedom of Expression and the Media in South-East Europe (JUFREX)”.

“Freedom of expression is an essential right in any genuine democracy. Its realisation requires informed citizens, journalists, public institutions including the judiciary. Fundamental rights and freedoms are nurtured by trust and confidence in society. An atmosphere that is true antagonistic and acrimonious risks slowly suffocating them”, pointed out Tobias Flessenkemper, the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade.

Dictionary of Media and Legal Terms was presented in today’s meeting organised in Belgrade. This publication shall provide the media with a detailed list and explanations of media and legal terms and assist them in reporting on topics that encompass basic knowledge of legal concepts, but it will also make representatives of the judiciary more familiar with media work and its requirements, with the ultimate goal of providing citizens with high quality information on issues of public importance.

Over the previous three years, more than 2000 judges, prosecutors, and lawyers have been trained, while more than 1500 media actors attended events devoted to freedom of expression within the JUFREX programme. Numerous trainings on freedom of expression European standards brought together journalists, media actors and representatives of judiciary and media regulatory bodies, which resulted in strengthened dialogue and understanding among all relevant actors in the field of freedom of expression.

• Leksikon medijskih i pravnih pojmovau Republici Srbiji

This event was implemented with the financial assistance of the European Union and the Council of Europe. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.