2016 Annual Colloquium on Fundamental Rights

The second annual Colloquium on Fundamental Rights will be held on 17-18 November, in Brussels, Belgium. Organised by the European Commission, the event will enjoy the presence of first Vice-President Frans Timmermans, Commissioner Günther Oettinger, and Commissioner Jourová.

The Colloquium will focus on 'Media pluralism and democracy' will feature discussions on the key role in democratic societies of a free and pluralis media, and, in particular, digital media. The programme will include debates on a wide range of topics such as:

• how to protect and promote media freedom and independence from state intervention and from undue political or commercial pressures; 
• how to empower journalists and protect them from threats of physical violence or hate speech;
• the role of media and ethical journalism in promoting fundamental rights;
• how can a pluralistic media environment foster political debate on crucial issues for democratic societies.

The event will take the form of a round table interactive discussion, and it will bring together EU institutions and member states, NGOs, journalists, media representatives, companies, academics, and international organisations. 

For more information, visit the Coloquium webpage.