Minister Bogdanović, CoE's Jagland encouraged by progress achieved, agree on continuation of successful cooperation in media legislation reform

Strasbourg, France (27 March 2019) -- Minister of Culture Aleksandar Bogdanović met in Strasbourg with the Council of Europe Secretary General Torbjorn Jagland for talks on legislative reform in the field of media, as well as on the Council of Europe's programmes in the field of culture in which Montenegro actively participates.

Minister Bogdanović pointed out the importance of the Council of Europe's expertise and recommendations aimed at further development of democracy, strengthening the rule of law and protection of human rights and freedoms, which significantly helps and contributes to Montenegro's EU bid.

"Allow me to thank you personally for the support provided by the Council of Europe's experts in the reform of media legislation and to emphasise that the Council of Europe remains the most important reference point in our efforts to improve media policies," said Minister Bogdanović.

He informed Secretary-General Jagland about further activities in the drafting of the media laws of Montenegro, which includes the Council of Europe experts.

Council of Europe Secretary General Torbjorn Jagland emphasised that he is encouraged by evident progress in the reform of the media field, since he paid particular attention to the challenges faced by the media scene in the previous period. He underlined the Council of Europe's readiness to provide the necessary expert support in the forthcoming period, with the aim of providing high-quality legal solutions dealing with this area.

As to the Council of Europe's Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists, it was concluded that Montenegro is a good example of cooperation. In that regard, the Council of Europe praised the activities of Montenegro in terms of regular updating the activities relating to the complaints set out in the platform.

Both sides welcomed Montenegro's participation in the Eurimages, the cultural support fund of the Council of Europe, whose active member since the beginning of this year and expressed the belief that the funds provided by the Fund will significantly contribute to the development of the film industry in Montenegro.

During the meeting, there were also discussions about the activities of Montenegro in the programs of the Council of Europe in the field of cultural heritage. It was expressed satisfaction with the strengthened cooperation of Montenegro with the Secretariat of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes, and it was agreed to consider the possibility of Montenegro's inclusion in the new cultural routes.