The NGO Aktiv and the Association of Independent Electronic Media of Kosovo (AMPEK) organized the event “Breakfast with Journalists” in Pristina on April 23, focusing on the implementation of the Law on Foreigners and the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue from a media reporting perspective.
The event brought together journalists and newsroom representatives reporting in Serbian and Albanian, including BIRN, RTV 21, ATV, RTV Kim, Radio Mitrovica North, and RTK2, along with representatives of the organizing bodies. The meeting took place in an open and informal atmosphere, aiming to encourage dialogue on reporting practices related to the Law on Foreigners, as well as the challenges journalists face when covering this topic.
Particular attention was paid to institutional transparency and communication with the media, including compliance with the Law on the Use of Languages. Discussions addressed dominant media narratives in Serbian and Albanian, as well as how media from one community report on issues primarily affecting the other.
Participants pointed to a pronounced lack of transparency by institutions in Pristina and Belgrade, as well as insufficient public information about the EU-facilitated dialogue. It was emphasized that negotiations on the initial implementation of the Law on Foreigners lasted for months without adequate public communication, contributing to mistrust and the spread of speculation.
Concerns were also raised that similar practices could continue in future dialogue processes, including issues related to the functioning of healthcare and education institutions within the system of the Republic of Serbia, as well as the establishment of the Association of Serb-majority municipalities.
Regarding access to information, participants highlighted a serious lack of timely and accurate data, directly affecting the quality of media reporting. As an example, they cited uncertainties surrounding other regulations and measures impacting citizens’ daily lives, further complicating professional and responsible reporting.
In such circumstances, due to the absence of official information, some media outlets in both Serbian and Albanian have resorted to speculation. An additional challenge is limited communication with institutional representatives and political actors at both central and local levels, further hindering journalists’ work.
It was concluded that improving institutional transparency and ensuring timely and accurate information for all citizens is essential.
The “Breakfast with Journalists” event was organized by NGO Aktiv and AMPEK, with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).