These journalists are fellows of Václav Havel Journalism Fellowship and Jiří Dienstbier Journalism Fellowship, both supported by the Czech MFA, and since the beginning of December, they’ve been actively involved in the work of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in its Prague headquarters.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Červenka appreciated the close cooperation with Radio Free Europe and stressed the irreplaceable role of independent media in the protection of democracy and human rights worldwide. Mrs. Joanna Levison, Director for Media and Public Affairs at the RFE/RL, who accompanied the fellows, stressed their exceptional qualities and suggested they are the hope for the future of independent journalism. The following discussion focused on the expectations of the fellows, the challenges they are facing in their journalistic work as well as the current foreign-policy topics.

Program Václav Havel Journalism Fellowship was established in 2011, on the basis of a joint initiative of the MFA and RFE/RL with the aim to support young promising journalists from the countries of the Eastern Partnership and Russia. Program Jiří Dienstbier Journalism Fellowship has been running since 2014 and supports journalists from the countries of the Western Balkans.

Promotion of independence of the media is one of the priorities of the Transition Promotion Program of the MFA. This year alone, the Ministry has allocated more than CZK 15 million in support of various projects focusing on this important subject.