The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK), representing more than 700 journalists in Kosovo, publicly addresses this appeal to the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, on the occasion of his visit to Kosovo.
AGK calls on Mr. Costa to discuss, during his meeting with Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, the need for the Government and institutions of Kosovo to respect freedom of the media and freedom of expression.
Kosovo has experienced a dramatic decline in media freedom in recent years, as documented by international reports, including the March visit of the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Safety of Journalists.
Mr. Kurti’s government and his political party, Vetëvendosje, have engaged in continuous campaigns of denigration against journalists and media workers because of their work. This has created the most difficult environment for practicing journalism in Kosovo in recent years.
Institutions that should be independent, such as the Independent Media Commission and the Radio Television of Kosovo, have been placed under direct political influence by the Government through the appointment of boards in compromised processes.
AGK hopes that Mr. Costa will remind Prime Minister Kurti that respect for media freedom is key to the path toward membership in the European Union, which is aspired to by the overwhelming majority of Kosovo’s citizens.
Journalists and media outlets in Kosovo continue to perform a vital role in providing information in the public interest, playing an irreplaceable part in safeguarding one of the fundamental values of European democracy.