The EBU today launched a comprehensive action plan to strengthen its Members from the seven so-called 'Enlargement' countries in the Balkans that are preparing to join the European Union (EU). 

Senior editors from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, FYR Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia are attending the three-day regional seminar in Zagreb (12-14 December) to develop and test a curriculum on public service news. The result will be rolled out in national workshops next year.

‪Focal points designated by the directors general of the seven EBU Members concerned are also attending the event to brainstorm related ideas. These include regional seminars on public service media (PSM) and civil society, PSM and Roma minorities, investigative journalism, leadership training, digitalization and the preservation of archives.

The strategy has been developed following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on July 24 in Brussels between the EBU and the EU on a partnership to strengthen PSM among the Enlargement countries. The EU is expected to contribute €500,000 in co-funding for the activities. ‪  ‪

EBU Head of Member Relations, David Lewis, said the Zagreb workshop marked the start of an important programme of activities for EBU Members in the Balkan region.

He thanked HRT and the Head of HRT's Education Centre for hosting the meeting.