Strengthening professional, accurate and balanced reporting during elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina was the focus of a two-day training for media professionals dedicated to reporting on electoral processes.

The training took place in Neum on 12-14 May 2026. Its aim was to support journalists and editors in understanding the Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the latest amendments, the introduction of new technologies and their implications for media work throughout the electoral process.

Particular attention was given to strengthening co-operation between media and key institutions involved in the electoral process, including the Central Election Commission, the Communications Regulatory Agency and the Press Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in addressing growing challenges linked to artificial intelligence, disinformation and fake news.

The discussions also reflected wider concerns highlighted in the 2025 ODIHR Preliminary Statement of Findings and Conclusions, including the lack of transparency in media ownership and the increasing pressure on journalists to navigate digitalisation, social media and rapidly spreading disinformation.

The training therefore focused on strengthening journalists’ understanding of the role of media during elections in line with international standards, while also enhancing practical skills for election-day reporting and responsible coverage of electoral processes.

By supporting independent, professional and trustworthy reporting, these efforts contribute to stronger democratic resilience, informed public debate and more transparent electoral processes, in line with the principles of the New Democratic Pact for Europe.

The training programme 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 “Supporting transparency, inclusiveness and integrity of electoral practice and processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, funded through voluntary contributions under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026-2029.