The European Commission and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will work together to strengthen the independence of the media in the European Neighborhood Region, following a meeting between Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Štefan Füle, and EBU President Jean-Paul Phillipot and EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre.

The organizations have signed and exchanged letters to cement their cooperation in the European Neighborhood region, building on existing collaboration in the context of EU Enlargement policy.

EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Štefan Füle, said: “Freedom of expression, free press and media are the pillars of deep and sustainable democracy, which is one of the core objectives of the European

Neighborhood Policy. I am very happy that the European Broadcasting Union shares our view that securing freedom of expression requires a continuous effort by all stakeholders.”

“I welcome in particular engagement of the EBU in countries like Ukraine, or Tunisia which are undergoing important changes. The role of media and its independence is crucial in assisting this process. I would like to confirm our commitment to cooperate with the EBU on the improvement of the media landscape in the European Neighborhood region and to advance the cooperation which has already proved to be very successful in the Enlargement region,” added Commissioner Füle.

EBU President Jean-Paul Philippot said: “I warmly welcome cooperation with the European Commission around an issue that we both consider as essential. Independent and sustainable public service media organizations are pillars of freedom of expression and a democratic media landscape. EBU Partnership Programme activities in theEuropean Neighborhood region will be all the more potent with the backing of the European Commission.”

Under its Partnership Programme, the EBU undertakes various actions targeting public service broadcasters in the Enlargement and European Neighborhood region. Actions notably include assistance, technical support and training to build internal capacity for independence and long-term sustainability.