By The “Training of Trainers combined with Study Visits” programme was held in Pristina from 23 to 27 February 2026, within the project “Key challenges: Improving journalist safety, labour rights and resilience in the Western Balkans”.
During the programme, participants from the region discussed the media landscape and safety challenges faced by journalists in Kosovo and the wider region, including attacks, pressure, SLAPP lawsuits, online harassment, reporting from protests and relations with institutions. The programme included roundtables with representatives of journalists’ organisations, editors, journalists and institutional representatives, as well as the exchange of practical experiences among trainers.
A special part of the programme was dedicated to physical safety and risk assessment, through a training led by Jeta Xharra, Editor-in-Chief of BIRN Kosovo. Participants also visited the Kosovo 2.0 media outlet, while part of the programme was held in Mitrovica, where discussions focused on the safety of journalists during demonstrations, the response of competent authorities and ethical decisions in high-pressure situations.
The study visit and training of trainers contributed to strengthening regional cooperation and the exchange of knowledge on journalist safety, labour rights and the resilience of the media community in the Western Balkans.
The programme was organised by Fojo Media Institute from Sweden, in cooperation with partner organisations: the Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (TUMM), the Association of Independent Broadcast Media of Kosovo (AMPEK), the Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (IAJS), the Independent Trade Union of Journalists and Media Workers of Macedonia (SSNM), and the Center for Investigative Reporting in Bosnia and Herzegovina (CIN). Financial support was provided by the Swedish Institute.
