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Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022: “Freedom of expression and freedom of the media in Montenegro – JUFREX”

The rule of law, respect for human rights and democratic governance are at the heart of the EU accession process. To support reform processes in these areas, the European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe (CoE) have been closely cooperating in the Western Balkans and Turkey through the Horizontal Facility for many years.

This project is funded under the Horizontal Facility II, with the aim to promote freedom of expression and freedom of the media. These freedoms underpin most other rights, allowing them to flourish. In other words, they represent one of the foundations of a democratic society.

Taking the above into account, the JUFREX project focuses on enhancing the application of European standards in the areas of freedom of expression and protection of journalists by the judiciary and law enforcement authorities, as well as on improving the capacities of media regulatory authorities and government bodies. The project is expected to result in an improved media legislative framework and enhanced capacities of media associations and universities to contribute to an enabling environment for freedom of expression and freedom of the media.

This project ensured funding for the Technical Assistance Contract entitled “Supporting the process of drafting media legislation”, which allowed for the engagement of experts to support the Government in drafting media legislation in line with the European standards, as well as the Media Grant Scheme, with grants that will be awarded to local media to promote freedom of expression and freedom of the media in pandemic times.

More about the Horizontal Facility Programme

The first phase of the programme ran from 2016 to 2019, while the second phase covers the period from 2019 to 2022. The total value of the facility is approximately €41 million (85% funded by the EU, 15% by the CoE). In the first phase of the programme, there were six beneficiary-specific actions for Montenegro, with a total budget of €3.33 million. In the second phase, €4.7 million have been allocated for seven actions, covering all the key areas of the Horizontal Facility such as: justice reform, human rights protection, prison and police reform, fight against economic crime, fight against discrimination and inclusive education.

Project name:

Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022: “Freedom of expression and freedom of the media in Montenegro – JUFREX”

Sector:

Start time:

01/05/2019

End time:

01/05/2022

Location:

Montenegro

Budget:

635000.00€

Beneficiary:

Council of Europe (CoE)

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