Activity Details (ID# 19140)

Activity Synopsis

The objectives of the seminar were to provide an intensive briefing on European standards concerning freedom of expression and broadcasting regulation with a particular view to the coaching of participants for the drafting and subsequent discussions in the Albanian Assembly of a new draft broadcasting law. The seminar was organised by the Council of Europe in the framework of a joint Action Plan of the Council of Europe and the European Commission on the reform of the Albanian broadcasting legislation. 

The seminar started with an introductory presentation by Ms Eve Salomon on European standards concerning freedom of expression. Ms Maria-Luisa Fernandez Esteban, Administrator at the Audiovisual and Media Policies Unit, Information Society and Media Directorate General, European Commission, presented the European Union acquis concerning broadcasting and audiovisual services.
These were followed by presentations on European standards concerning freedom of expression and public-service broadcasting (Eve Salomon) and on broadcasting regulatory bodies – legal framework and its implementation according to Council of Europe standards (Karol Jakubowicz).
The discussions during the second day focused on the reform of the Albanian broadcasting legislation and specifically on possible approaches to be taken in the future broadcasting law. The participants had lively exchanges with Eve Salomon, Karol Jakubowicz and Senator Paschal Mooney of the Irish Senate and member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
The participants found the seminar extremely valuable because it looked both at the broader picture and at concrete issues. The experts offered a range of practical solutions with a clear picture of the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches. The participants also appreciated highly the informality and the collegiality of the discussions. 

The Albanian parliamentarians confirmed their commitment to the Action Plan for reform of the broadcasting legislation and provided an update on the progress of their work. The Council of Europe and the European Commission will continue to provide expert assistance for drafting a new broadcasting law in line with European standards. 

Members of the Education and Public Information Means Committee, Albanian Parliament 

Dr Karol Jakubowicz, Poland, Member of the Independent Media Commission, Kosovo, and Ms Eve Salomon, United Kingdom, legal and regulatory consultant 

Ms Franziska Klopfer and Mr Ivan Nikoltchev, Media and Information Society Division, Directorate General of Human Rights and Legal Affairs;
Mr Alain Chablais, The European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission)