Documents

The meeting of Working Table I was structured this year to focus on two topics. Substantive discussions were held on media and in the particular the problem of “hate speech” and prejudicial reporting in the media, in addition to parliamentary cooperation.

The meeting endorsed the activities conducted by the Media Task Force based upon its progress report presented at the Working Table. It was clear that considerable progress has been achieved in recent years through creating conditions for independent and professional media. A discussion was also held on the role of media in times of conflict or ethnic tensions, and a case study was presented on the media’s role during the eruption of violence in Kosovo in March 2004.

While a plurality of media outlets exists, a profound concern remains regarding the independence of editors, the lack of quality reporting, threats against journalists, and the reform of public broadcasters. Governments of the region are urged to take action on defamation legislation and court practices that allow the use of court cases to force media out of business. Media professionals should be encouraged to work towards joint ethical standards for the media, and the creation of structures to ensure adherence to those standards, for example media councils.

A study was presented assessing the progress made and future steps for parliamentary cooperation. It was concluded that efforts should be made to reinforce the capacity of parliaments to carry out their obligations. Practical measures such as staff exchanges between parliaments, internships and twining initiatives were welcomed. Parliamentary cooperation should be linked to the Stability Pact’s other Task Forces in order to be efficiently connected to substantive issues. It was concluded that there is now a clear goal for the Stability Pact in the field of parliamentary cooperation.

Local Democracy and Cross-Border Cooperation remains a core activity. The Government of Croatia offered to host the regional ministerial conference in Croatia at the end of October 2004, aiming to get a political commitment from the governments to strengthen local democracy, promote capacity development of local and regional authorities, including the process of de-centralization. Working Table I will continue working closely with NALAS (Network of Associations of Local Authorities and South East Europe) in order to facilitate the exchange of local authorities of the region in various fields of cooperation. The transfer of the NALAS secretariat to the region enforces regional ownership. The work on Euroregions and other cross-border local cooperation efforts will continue, focusing on follow up and concrete cooperation activities that can bring visible results.

Working Table I is working together with the Greek-funded Eunomia programme to organize a meeting of the Ombudsmen of the SEE region in September 2004, which will be hosted by the Government of Serbia. The meeting will seek to strengthen the exchange and cooperation among ombudsmen.

The work of the Gender Task Force will continue with efforts towards increased incorporation of gender mainstreaming into all aspects of economic, political and social life in the SEE countries. The projects by the Task Force have brought concrete results, such as an increased numbers of women in local and national parliaments of the region, as well as raised the awareness of women, including Roma women, of their role and opportunities in society. It is essential that this work will go on.

The Education Reform Initiative (ERI SEE) will continue to be supported by Working Table I, to enhance cooperation between ministries, initiatives and experts of SEE region, on European standards in education and training. An official decision to transfer the ERI SEE Secretariat to the region is expected on the occasion of the EU Ministerial Conference in Oslo in June 2004, after which support for its activities will be needed.

The role of youth continues to be recognized as a major factor for the whole development of the SEE region. The deficiencies of society cause frustration that is, in unfortunate cases, channeled into violence. Working Table I will seek to identify specific activities in the youth sector, which can best be addressed through the Stability Pact.