The Networking and Capacity-Building Conference "Improving Media Education: Networking with EU Schools of Journalism" was held in Skopje, North Macedonia, on 16–17 December 2025. The event brought together media professionals, journalism schools, civil society representatives, EU experts and students to strengthen cooperation and capacities in media education.
Eurothink – Center for European Strategies, as part of the Media4EU project, organised the conference, which addressed key challenges affecting the media landscape. These included disinformation, gaps in journalism education and declining professional standards. The event was part of the country's EU membership negotiations. In addition, it facilitated dialogue and knowledge exchange between journalism schools in North Macedonia and EU Member States, thereby establishing the foundations for ongoing institutional collaboration.
The two-day programme combined public debates and capacity-building sessions, focusing on EU media education standards, investigative journalism in the context of EU integration, fact-checking tools and practical reporting skills. Participants from CEI countries represented journalism schools, media outlets, civil society organisations and research institutions, reinforcing the regional dimension of the initiative.
“Maintaining media pluralism as well as safeguarding media transparency and independence are essential conditions for preserving the right to information and freedom of expression that underpins the democratic society.
The CEI backs initiatives raising awareness on media freedom and strengthening the role of independent and quality reporting, in cooperation with competent international organisations and institutions; it prioritises support for Member States aspiring to EU membership, being media freedom a core EU value.”
By fostering targeted training and professional exchange, the Conference contributed to strengthening media education and supporting independent, quality journalism in line with European values.
For more info: fabro@cei.int