On June 2–3, 2025, the General Election Assembly of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) is being held in Budapest, bringing together over 120 journalists and trade union representatives from 38 European countries. This is the first time the EFJ is organizing a statutory event in Hungary—a symbolic act of support for independent journalism in a country where media freedoms are under severe pressure.
The delegation from North Macedonia, comprised of representatives from the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) and the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM), is actively participating in the working sessions, where the new three-year EFJ Work Programme for the period 2025–2028 is being adopted. The programme focuses on key challenges such as: the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), protection against SLAPP lawsuits, regulation of artificial intelligence, collective bargaining, advancement of copyright and labor rights, and journalists’ safety.
EFJ President Maja Sever stated:
“Journalism in Europe is under siege. That’s why the EFJ is not just a symbol—it is a mechanism for resistance. In the coming years, we must ensure the implementation of EMFA and all other European tools for the protection of journalism and workers’ rights; stop the abuse of artificial intelligence and digital platforms that profit from our work without transparency or compensation; expand union protections for everyone, and invest in safety, media literacy, and self-regulation—because truth needs both infrastructure and people who will defend it.”
As part of the event, the Macedonian delegation, together with partner journalist associations from the Western Balkans, held a working meeting with the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Ambassador Jan Linate Bratu. The meeting was of great importance for regional coordination on issues such as journalist safety, tackling impunity, and the need for systemic support for investigative journalism and media independence.
“We must all stand united on the principles of free journalism because this is a battle we cannot afford to lose,” said Ambassador Bratu during the meeting with AJM President Chadikovski and SSNM President Belovski.
In addition to the working sessions, the EFJ Annual Assembly also includes statutory activities—delegates are reviewing financial reports, programmatic documents, and electing nine new members of the EFJ Steering Committee for a three-year term. These elections and resolutions will shape the direction of the Federation through 2028.