A declaration was presented at a Skopje press conference today by the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), highlighting the need to improve the professional and labor rights and working conditions of journalists and media workers.

The declaration, also supported by the Association of Journalists of Macedonia and the RESIS Institute, stems from a three-day “Screening and Advocacy Mission for the Professional and Labor Rights of Journalists and Media Workers” in Macedonia, which is part of the European Union-supported “Labor Rights for Independent Journalism” project.

The mission involved meetings with media legislation institutions, editorial offices, and media organizations to assess media freedom and working conditions in Macedonia.

Anthony Bellanger, Secretary General of the IFJ, emphasized the importance of a free and independent press for democracy, advocating for good working conditions and ethical and economic independence for journalists, while also stressing that media legislation must adhere to democratic standards and international documents.

Pavle Belovski, President of the SSNM, noted the importance of support from organizations like the IFJ in the fight for labor and professional rights.

Media legislation expert Deirdre Kevin emphasized the need for new media legislation, including harmonization with the European Media Freedom Act, protection of journalists’ working conditions, and transparency in media funding, also mentioning previous analyses and recommendations for a new Media Law, including the establishment of a fund for media pluralism and quality journalism.

The declaration asserts that journalists and media should operate in a free environment without pressure, ensuring democratic processes, and that safe, well-paid journalists are essential for journalism that protects the public interest.