EU Integration and the Media: Do Journalists Really Get It?
Did you know Montenegro has been negotiating EU membership for 13 years? That’s right, 13 years! And the media are supposed to keep us informed, right? Well, it turns out it’s easier said than done.
Recently, a two-day workshop was held in Kolašin for ten journalists from eight national and two local media outlets. The goal? To train them on how to report professionally, analytically, and ethically on EU integration. Sounds like a good plan, but why is this even necessary?
Montenegro’s chief EU negotiator, Predrag Zenović, and State Secretary Biljana Papović made it clear that the media are not just observers but key allies in this process. They shape public perception, open space for dialogue, and call for accountability.
But let’s be real – how many times have you heard or read something about EU integration and thought, “What does this even mean for me?” That’s exactly why this training is important. Journalists learned about the technical and political aspects of negotiations, IPA funds, cross-border cooperation, and the Western Balkans Growth Plan.
Augustin Palokaj, a seasoned Brussels correspondent, emphasized how crucial it is for journalists to understand the complexity of the process and convey information clearly and accessibly. Montenegro is close to the final phase of negotiations, and the media need to focus on the benefits and consequences of membership.
But will this really happen? Or will superficial reports and political spin continue to dominate?
This initiative, funded by the EU through the EU4ME project, aims to build a strong partnership between media and institutions so citizens receive accurate, timely, and understandable information about the negotiation process and the real effects of reforms on their daily lives.
Sounds like a dream, right? But maybe it’s time for us, the audience, to start demanding better and deeper reporting. Because if we don’t understand what’s going on, how can we expect things to change?
What do you think? Are the media really ready to be true allies on this European path? Or is this just another workshop that will soon be forgotten? Share your thoughts – maybe together we can burst this media bubble!
Why does this matter?
- Montenegro has been negotiating EU membership for 13 years.
- Ten journalists from national and local media underwent special training.
- Focus on professional, analytical, and ethical reporting.
- The EU4ME project is funded by the European Union.
- Media are key to shaping public opinion and trust in the process.
Don’t just read – join the conversation! Who knows, maybe your critique or praise will spark a wave of change in media coverage of Montenegro’s EU integration.
