On November 20th the European Union’s ultimatum to the Macedonian government to undertake broadcasting reforms expired.
Discussions are underway between the different political parties, representatives of the country’s main media and experts to work on eight priority issues: eradicating violence against journalists, allowing free access to information, avoiding trials for libel against journalists, regulating political and government messages in the media, establishing a set of ethical rules for journalists and increasing the independence of both the broadcasting regulator and MRT, Macedonian public television.
The ruling VMRO-DPMNE party is “ready to compromise”, according to the web-site Balkan Insight. According to an expert from Skopje’s Media Development Centre, the priority is to find quick solutions “to ensure a minimum of impartiality in the media.” Elections are due next spring.
In June the European Commission sent the Macedonian Government a list of priority reforms following opposition accusations about a vast illegal surveillance system set up by the VMRO-DPMNE.
Sources: Balkan Insight, Agenzia Nova
