OSCE Media Freedom Representative meets with Ambassador of Romania

On 21 February 2022, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro met with the Permanent Representative of Romania to the OSCE (International Organizations in Vienna), Ambassador Stelian Stoian.

They discussed current developments regarding media freedom and freedom of expression in Romania and the wider OSCE region. Ribeiro and Stoian stressed the importance of media freedom as a key pillar of democracy and comprehensive security, emphasizing the distinctive role that the OSCE plays in this regard. In particular, they addressed the negative impact of disinformation on trust in the media and on democratic institutions in general.

Ribeiro and Stoian discussed several aspects of the current media freedom situation in the region, including media pluralism and the important role of an active civil society in safeguarding the independence of the media.

The Representative also underlined that the safety of journalists will be one of her priorities for the next two years, due to the deteriorating situation regarding media freedom and freedom of expression across the OSCE region.

The Representative expressed her readiness to continue supporting Romania by providing legal reviews of legislation pertaining to media freedom.

Ribeiro and Stoian concluded by conveying their expectation to continue the good co-operation between the Office of the Representative and the authorities of Romania.