A €1.3 million EU-funded project supporting media freedom, pluralism, and capacity building
The Center for the Promotion of Civil Society (CPCD), in partnership with Thomson Media, Kosovo 2.0, Center for Democratic Transition, Metamorphosis Foundation, and SciDEV Center, has launched a three-year regional initiative titled SMS Facility – Support for Small Media in the Western Balkans. Funded by the European Union with a budget of €1.3 million, this project aims to strengthen media freedom and freedom of expression across the Western Balkans, fostering a more resilient and independent media landscape in the region.
The primary goal of the project is to create an enabling environment and provide structural support for professional media. By doing so, it aims to strengthen the capacity of local media, media organisations, and journalists to exercise their right to freedom of expression, access information, and promote media pluralism.
Key activities and support
The project activities are designed to achieve these objectives effectively. A core element of the initiative is the distribution of two types of grants, which will empower small media outlets across the Western Balkans. In addition to financial assistance, the project offers educational support, including tutorials, workshops, training sessions, mentoring, and access to self-assessment tools and methodologies for organizational development.
By combining financial and educational support, the project seeks to foster the growth and development of local media outlets. These efforts will help small media outlets enhance their professionalism, credibility, and sustainability, contributing to a more diverse and pluralistic media landscape in the region.
All project activities and results will be promoted through various media and communication channels managed by the project partners, ensuring widespread visibility and impact.
The project will be implemented until 7 November 2027 in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
Through its comprehensive approach, the SMS Facility project aims to empower small media, uphold freedom of expression, and contribute to a vibrant and democratic media environment across the Western Balkans.
