Mediacentar Sarajevo, in partnership with Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa and Kosovo Journalists’ Association, with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is implementing the project “Transnational advocacy for freedom of expression in the Balkans – ATLIB 3” from December 2025 to November 2026.

The project focuses on the link between the rule of law, media freedom, and the EU enlargement process in the Western Balkans. Following previous editions covering Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, this third phase places emphasis on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, countries at different stages of the European integration process.

In the context of regular European Union assessments, which include evaluations of media freedom, the project aims to strengthen cooperation among civil society actors from the Western Balkans, Italy, and across Europe. It seeks to enhance advocacy capacities for the protection of free and independent journalism, while also supporting structured participation of civil society in the EU integration process.

Planned activities include:
• Development of two Shadow Reports on media freedom for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo (desk research and fieldwork)
• A workshop with Italian media freedom stakeholders to exchange good practices
• Dissemination of findings through national events and an international webinar
• Production of journalistic content on media-related issues
• Implementation of a communication campaign to raise awareness of project outputs

Through these activities, the project contributes to stronger regional and European cooperation, improved media freedom standards, and a more active role of civil society in democratic reforms and EU integration processes.