Association of European Journalists
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AEJ in Europe Across Europe, the AEJ brings together individual journalists through their membership of the national sections. It was set up in 1961 in the six countries of what was then the EEC by 70 founding members who believed in the potential of journalism to promote European harmony. There are now more than 1000 members in more than 20 sections, independently established in countries that belong to the Council of Europe. The members are united by their determination to defend the freedom of information and freedom of the press. Each year one of the national sections hosts the AEJ's annual congress, providing an opportunity to meet journalists from around the continent. One day is focused on an issue of current interest and the general assembly debates resolutions on current cases where journalistic freedoms are in jeopardy. AEJ Media Freedom Representative William Horsley, Chairman of the UK Section, was appointed AEJ Media Freedom Representative in June 2007. This is a permanent appointment, unanimously endorsed by the General Assembly in Dublin. William's first task was to compile the Media Freedom Survey. This brings together 20 country reports written by AEJ sections and highlighting problems that journalists are encountering in their professional lives.

AEJ Congress 2008 The Austrian Section will host this year's annual congress in Linz, Austria, on 20-23 November. Linz is Cultural Capital of Europe 2009 ____________________________________________ AEJ section websites Finland Italy France Netherlands Ireland Spain International Board President : Diego Carcedo, Spain Secretary General : Peter Kramer, Belgium Treasurer : Saiah Tsaoussidou, Greece 1st Vice President : József Horváth, Hungary 2nd Vice President : Celia Hampton, UK 3rd Vice President : Carmelo Occhino, Italy Athanase Papandropoulos, Greece, is Honorary President of the AEJ

Dublin Congress, 9-10 November 2007 The Irish Section hosted the 2007 congress (for a full account, see www.aej.ie). The event was outstanding in every way. On the one hand, the conference day was substantial and thought-provoking. The morning session was opened by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern TD, then Irish Prime Minister. It went on to discuss the impact of globalisation on Europe: "50 Years On: The EU in a Shrinking World." The AEJ's Media Freedom Survey was launched at the afternoon session. Please go to the Survey page for a fuller report. On the other, the hospitality extended to those of us fortunate enough to be able to attend the congress was unparalleled. We are deeply indebted to Eileen Dunne, Martin Alioth and Tim Ryan for the warmth of their welcome and for the impeccably smooth organisation. Not only did they treat some of us to a memorably enjoyable mid-autumn break, but they have also given new purpose and perspective to our professional association. In connection with the issue of media freedom and the obligation of all members of the Council of Europe to abide by the European Convention on Human Rights, in particular article 10, the AEJ's General Assembly adopted the following resolution: The Association of European Journalists deplores the action of Slovakia's Supreme Court in rejecting the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg concerning the right of journalist Martin Klein to publish a satirical article about a church leader, Archbishop Jan Sokol. The position of Slovakia's judicial authorities places the country in breach of its legal obligations as a member of the Council of Europe to uphold freedom of expression. This has happened at a time when Slovakia should be setting a correct example as it starts its six-month term as chairman of the Committee of Ministers, the Council of Europe's executive body, on 12 November 2007.