Journalists and military officials from countries in South East Europe took part in a conference in Pula, Croatia on investigative journalism and data protection.

The event was co-organized by Croatian Radio and Television (HRT), the Zagreb-based Centre for Security Cooperation (RACVIAC), the Sarajevo-based Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the association of Public Service Media in South East Europe (PSM in SEE).

The EBU supported the event, on 30-31 May, by financing the presence of Jonathan Stoneman, a consultant for EBU Training who worked for the BBC for 20 years. Mr Stoneman addressed the conference on the topic: "What is investigative journalism; why do we need it in modern societies - are there limits to seeking truth?" He was also scheduled to conduct a training session involving the simulation of a train crash.

The European Commission accords special importance to investigative journalism in the fight against corruption and as a watchdog for citizens in countries seeking to join the European Union.

Former Vice-President Boris Bergant, speaking as chairman of the South East Europe Media Organization, said that there was now a greater need than ever for investigative journalism. He regretted that most such journalism was now conducted by freelancers outside mainstream media organizations.

The EBU's Head of Special Assistance, David Lewis, said the event was an excellent example of cooperationwithin a Protocal on Regional Cooperation in Education and Training which was signed in Sarajevo last September by the RCC, the EBU and members of the association of PSM in SEE.