3 September 2025

Dear representatives and members of the Association of the Balkan News Agencies-Southeast Europe,

Media representatives,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my honor and duty to address this conference dedicated to news agencies – to those who write the front page of truth every day. Your job is not just to relay news, but to shape public memory, build trust and keep democracy alive. Today, more than ever, the media are the pillars of democratic societies. In conditions of global connectivity, not only do they inform but they also inspire, unite and create a climate fostering prosperity. In times of economic and social challenges, when citizens are looking for security and hope, the media are the ones that can relay a vision, explain reforms and encourage public debate.

Our state firmly holds the view that there is no democratic society without free media. Freedom of speech is a fundamental value and we are determined to promote it and guarantee a space where every journalist can freely ask questions, investigate and publish without any pressures or fear. The truth has to be more important than any political or economic power. But we also know that in this era of digitization and social networks, we face new challenges. Disinformation is like a virus – it spreads quickly, creates distrust and can undermine the stability of states.

Our government stimulates and encourages debate. We should set an example so we can make sure our young generations use critical thinking in recognizing and analyzing information sources. In cooperation with the civil sector and journalists associations, we have been working on education, training and programs to combat fake news. Citizens have direct access to government decisions and public information. This way we have reduced any possibility of manipulation and speculation and we have built transparency.

The Balkans and Southeast Europe have long been a symbol of conflict and division, but today we have a new task – to be a symbol of cooperation and prosperity. The media can be bridges between our countries. A simple news story about a successful regional investment, a cultural exchange or a sports event can reach thousands of people and create a new sense of community. I would like to recall the initiative for regional news exchange between news agencies, which is already yielding results. When our citizens read positive news from our neighborhood, prejudice is torn down and friendships are built.

Disinformation and baseless criticism are the biggest challenges facing the media scene today, but also facing democracy itself. We live in times when it is enough for a person to publish an untruth on social networks and for it to reach thousands of citizens in a few minutes. These untruths are often aimed at instilling fear, division and mistrust. But it is even more dangerous when certain centers of power intentionally use lies for political or personal interests, trying to devalue any sincere initiative and any reform effort. 

Baseless criticism grounded on false information instead of arguments poisons the public debate and undermines public trust. Criticism is necessary, criticism is useful, but only when it is responsible and well founded. The difference between constructive criticism and disinformation is as big as the difference between democracy and manipulation.

Our government will not silence criticism, but it will not let lies become the norm. This is why we have invested in media literacy. This is why we have encouraged professional journalism. This is why we have cooperated with the civil sector and international partners. Only with educated citizens and responsible media can we build a society resistant to manipulation.

The government is firmly committed to being a partner to the media. We have been working on continuous improvements of the legal framework for media independence. We have invested in the digitization of public services for greater transparency and accountability. We have supported programs for journalism ethics and professionalization and we have fostered regional dialogue on media freedom through joint conferences and initiatives.

Journalists often say, “News is the first rough draft of history.” But I would add: True news is also the first foundation of trust in the future. Let this conference be another message that our societies are choosing the path of dialogue, cooperation and truth. It is the media that can change a climate of distrust into a climate of hope and respect. Which is why you are not mere witnesses – you are the builders of the future.

Thank you.