The right to freedom of expression is largely declining in South-East Europe. Attacks against journalists are on the rise, followed by high impunity rates, non-transparent media financing, self-censorship and bad implementation of freedom of expression standards. Journalists and media workers are at the core of these trends and practices.

In order to empower journalists to deal with increased number of challenges, Civil Rights Defenders is organising the 1 st Regional Journalists Days. The event is envisaged as an open space for discussing the challenges ahead for journalists, citizens’ journalists and media workers that are working in increasingly hostile environments. In addition to this, CRD aims to raise their capacities to tackle upcoming challenges and opportunities for advancing freedom of expression in the region. The event will provide a platform for journalists and citizens’ journalists to learn, network, exchange good and bad practices, and discuss common issues and potential solutions