In the EIM's Media and Democracy Programme, headed by Dusan Reljic, the EIM has monitored elections as well as researching and assisting in matters of legal and regulatory developments. In the first instance, it is important to aim to have good media laws but in the second instance one must carefully observe how they are then applied. The legal framework is very important so that journalists can really work as professionals. In the EIM's Research Department we are looking at questions of the interrelation between the media and society. In my view, the media have a highly significant role as mediators in the development of society.
Journalists also have a great deal of responsibility.
But we must also recognise that the work of journalists is tied in to societal development, although the first responsibility for societal development lies with politicians. Journalists, however, can work as a countervailing power. The EIM believes in discourse, discussion and the exchange of experience in order to facilitate improvements in the situation.