افتتاح مركز لحرية الصحافة بتمويل من الاتحاد الأوروبي في مولدوفا

New Center Aims to Boost Media Ethics and Democracy in Moldova

At the end of June, the Free International University of Moldova (ULIM) launched a Center of Sociological Studies and Researches on Democracy and Human Rights. The European Union Delegation in Chisinau provided support for the initiative, which focuses on raising standards in journalism and reinforcing media ethics through educational programs. The center seeks to enhance the skills of students, teachers, and media professionals by offering training and resources to support democratic values and human rights.

Gerhard Ohrband, the prorector for international cooperation at ULIM, outlined the center’s goals. He highlighted that foreign experts will deliver training seminars covering topics such as the psychology of the media, journalistic ethics, and professional deontology. These areas have not been integrated into the journalism curricula in Moldovan universities, making the center a pioneering effort to address current educational gaps. Ohrband emphasized the need to identify weaknesses in existing programs through these seminars.

Beginning in September, three professors from Finland, Austria, Germany, and Italy will conduct one-week seminars. These sessions will be open to journalism students, educators, and media managers. All seminars will be held in English, with simultaneous translation provided in Romanian to ensure accessibility. The center also includes a free library that offers information on mass media, justice, and EU programs. Resources available in the library will cover EU legislation, business regulations, and cultural aspects for countries under the European Neighborhood Policy, including Moldova.

Moldova’s Progress in Human Rights and Democracy

Wolfgang Behrendt, the first secretary of the European Union Delegation to Moldova, noted that Moldova has shown progress in its international rankings for human rights and democracy, as reported by the European Commission in May. Despite this improvement, Behrendt stressed that press freedom remains a major challenge. He believes the new center can play a critical role in advancing democratic principles, human rights, and media independence in the country.

Behrendt also explained that the EU has revised its approach to candidate and neighboring countries, placing greater emphasis on the promotion of democracy and human rights. The center is part of a larger EU-funded project known as the Promotion of Democracy and Human Rights in Moldova through the Media System. This initiative reflects the EU’s commitment to supporting Moldova's democratic development through targeted educational and media reforms.