Johannes Hahn, the former European Commissioner for Enlargement, said on Wednesday that the European Union message was "crystal clear – there would be no progress in European integration without the freedom of expression and media," the FoNet news agency reported.

Addressing the participants of the  “EU – Western Balkans Media Days” conference held in Montenegro's capital Podgorica via video link, Hahn added he was sorry he couldn’t join the debate due to new job obligations.

Launched in 2017 by the European Commission, the EU – Western Balkans Media Days aim to ensure that media freedom remains a priority while tackling the complexity of pressing political, economic and social issues the region experiences at present.

Moreover, the forum has reached out to the professional challenges of journalists and media: their need to adapt to a rapidly changing media environment, the https://www.euwesternbalkansmediadays.eu/ website.  

This year, the conference will also involve political representatives in the region directly in charge of information and media for a “Policy meets media” discussion, the website added.