Kocijancic: Journalists need an enabling environment which allows them to do their work

The European Commission, through its spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic, reacted to a statement of Vice PM Bujar Osmani and a press release of the Ministry of Health. In both cases, threats involving ‘legal consequences’ had been made against media outlets about their coverage of events. The European Commission, which is closely following events in the country ahead of a decision on the start of negotiations with Macedonia, notes that the EU ‘attaches particular importance to the freedom of media.’

“Our 2018 Report stressed that, while the media climate has improved, there must be zero tolerance towards physical and verbal abuse or threats against journalists,” said spokeswoman Kocijancic.

According to her, the EU finds it very important when ‘journalists need an enabling environment which allows them to do their work.’

“Furthermore, any allegations related to misuse of funds should be properly investigated by the relevant authorities,” Kocijancic said referring to an affair recently revealed by Labor Minister Mila Carovska involving funds left out of the second pension fund instead of being transferred there.