On 9 September, ANSA, Italy’s News Agency, organised the Conference “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” under the CEI patronage.
The event was held on the occasion of the 34th General Assembly of the Association of the Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE). It brought together representatives of news agencies, economic operators and political representatives, as well as international institutions, to discuss key issues including EU enlargement, strategic communication and countering disinformation, the role of regional cooperation in promoting media freedom, and the economic and strategic importance of the Adriatic Sea.
Particular attention was devoted to the role of the media in shaping public opinion and to the value of exchanging experiences among media professionals on how to address the challenges posed by an increasingly complex information environment, including disinformation and rapidly evolving communication technologies.
In his welcome speech, Secretary General Franco Dal Mas stated that “Today, information is itself a strategic tool. News agencies have a crucial role in providing reliable information, fostering mutual understanding and building public support for Europe’s enlargement process.”
The event included a dialogue with Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha.
Among prominent speakers: Alberto Barachini, Under Secretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers; Stefano De Alessandri, CEO and General Manager ANSA; Kiril Valchev – Segretario Generale ABNA e CEO BTA; Barbara Trionfi, OSCE. Moderated by Francesco De Filippo, Chief of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Desk and ANSA Nuova Europa
A contribution was provided by long-standing CEI partner Oliver Vujović - Secretary General of the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), who organizes the CEI-supported South East Europe Media Forum (SEEMF) through the Cooperation Fund.
Luisa Chiodi, Director of Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso Transeuropa, an organisation promoting several media-related initiatives in cooperation with the CEI, was also actively involved.
The Trieste meeting offered a further opportunity to strengthen dialogue among news agencies and media organisations from Southeast Europe and to underline the role of independent, professional and responsible journalism in fostering mutual understanding, democratic resilience and closer European integration.
The General Assembly of ABNA-SE gathered at the CEI Headquarters the following day (10 September) for their annual meeting. Participants were welcomed by the Italian CEI National Coordinator, Min. Alfredo Durante Mangoni.
