A workshop held in Chișinău at the end of February 2026 marked an important step forward for the Media Advocacy Action for Moldova project, funded within the Know-how Exchange Programme financed by Italy. Organised by Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa, ActiveWatch and the Independent Journalism Center, with the support of the Media Freedom Rapid Response, the two-day training brought together journalists and media professionals to strengthen their capacity to respond to legal, digital and physical threats.
The programme combined expert input with practical exercises. Participants examined how to recognise and address legal harassment and discussed the challenges faced by journalists in Moldova’s current legal environment. Hands-on sessions on digital security covered investigative search techniques and strategies to protect data, sources and communications. A full day was dedicated to physical safety, including risk assessment and safe reporting during protests and public gatherings, followed by a simulation exercise to apply the techniques learned.
This training represents a concrete advancement in the project’s broader objective of reinforcing the resilience of Moldova’s public watchdogs as the country progresses on its European path. The strong engagement of participants confirms the relevance of coordinated action to support independent journalism in a context where pressures on media freedom remain significant.
The project will continue to expand its activities in the coming months, deepening cooperation with Moldovan partners and promoting alignment with European standards on media protection and freedom of expression.
For more info: dovier@cei.int