OSLO, 31 January 2025 - During a two-day visit to Oslo on 30 and 31 January, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Ambassador Jan Braathu, met with high-level representatives of the Norwegian government, state institutions, and journalism and media support organizations.
“Free and pluralistic media play a fundamental role in building informed and resilient societies in the OSCE region,” said Braathu. “Our close collaboration with Norway, as well as with all other participating States, is essential for advancing media freedom as a pillar of democracy and the OSCE’s comprehensive security concept.”
Conversations centred on Norway’s efforts, including at the international level, to enhance protections for journalists through a gender-responsive approach, countering information disorders, and supporting an environment where media can thrive, reflect diversity of voices and serve the public interest. The discussions also addressed the sustainability of independent media, as well as the use of digital surveillance technology against journalists and the risks it poses to media freedom.
Representative Braathu met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, Deputy Director General for Security Policy Department Anne-Kirsti Karlsen, Director for Section for Human Rights, Democracy and Gender Equality Herborg Fiskaa Alvsaker, the Foreign Ministry’s Policy Director for Human Rights and Democracy Vebjørn Heines, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation’s representatives for Freedom of the Media and Expression, the Norwegian Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, as well as with the Director of the Department for Media and Arts in the Ministry of Culture and Equality, Øyvind Christensen.
In addition, Representative Braathu engaged in a series of productive discussions with the Director of the Freedom of Expression Foundation Fritt Ord, Knut Olav Åmås, Secretary General of PEN Norway Jørgen Frydnes, Head of Department for Journalism and Organization at the Norwegian Union of Journalists Espen Brynsrud, Secretary General of the Norwegian Editor’s Association Reidun Kjelling Nybø, and other representatives from civil society and the journalistic community.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom
A letter signed by 19 EU countries means there appears a majority to allow more lending for defence projects – but that doesn't mean it's guaranteed.
The post EU leaders ask EIB to review lending rules, issue defence debt appeared first on Euractiv.
By External Source
Jan 31 2025 (IPS-Partners)
George the Pinta Island tortoise and Martha the passenger pigeon achieved fame as ‘endlings’ – the last individuals of their species. Their passing is tragic, but can their fate perhaps help us to protect other threatened species?
In this final episode of Season 4, Brit interviews Dr. Alexander Lees, from Manchester University in the UK, who has been working on Amazonian conservation issues for more than 20 years and has a particular interest in birdlife. Brit also hears from Joanna Lilley, a poet who uses verse to capture the beauty and tragedy of endlings.
To find out more about IPBES, head to www.ipbes.net or follow us on social media @IPBES.
Follow @IPSNewsUNBureau
Reallocating road space improves mobility and liveability, but success hinges on seamless multimodal integration.
The post Decarbonising EU transport needs new regulations and incentives, says World Bank appeared first on Euractiv.
Le Kosovo ne sort pas de la crise énergétique. En cause, le retard pris dans la transition verte et la dépendance à de vieilles centrales à charbon, polluantes et peu performantes. Alors que des coupures ont (encore) émaillé les fêtes de fin d'année, le sujet est très débattu dans la campagne pour les législatives du 9 février.
- Articles / Énergie Balkans, Kosovo 2.0, Kosovo, Economie, Environnement, Politique, Une - DiaporamaLe Kosovo ne sort pas de la crise énergétique. En cause, le retard pris dans la transition verte et la dépendance à de vieilles centrales à charbon, polluantes et peu performantes. Alors que des coupures ont (encore) émaillé les fêtes de fin d'année, le sujet est très débattu dans la campagne pour les législatives du 9 février.
- Articles / Énergie Balkans, Kosovo 2.0, Kosovo, Economie, Environnement, Politique, Une - Diaporama