“Next Generation of Leaders in Journalism: Enhancing Western Balkans – US Ties”

Belgrade, March 18, 2025 – “We are living in a time of significant changes in journalism. The digital world has completely transformed the rules of the game – news spreads faster, reaches further, and faces much greater competition. As journalists, we must find ways to leverage modern technologies while not neglecting the core principles of our profession: accuracy, integrity, and serving the public,” said Peter Roff, a commentator for the American magazine Newsweek, at the conference “Next Generation of Leaders in Journalism: Enhancing Western Balkans – US Ties.”

Ambassador John B. Craig, an experienced American diplomat and member of the Advisory Board of the Institute for Politics and Economy of Southeast Europe (IPESE), stated that strengthening transatlantic ties is more important than ever.

“Strengthening transatlantic relations is a key step toward the stability and development of the Western Balkans, and the media plays a crucial role in this process. Belgrade, as a crossroads of history and culture, perfectly reflects the goal we are striving for – building bridges between journalists, countries, and ideas,” said Craig.

“I believe the US will continue to support the European integration of the region, as it is part of a broader picture of global security and prosperity,” concluded Craig, adding that he is impressed by the development of Belgrade and Serbia as leaders in the Western Balkans.

“Wars are no longer fought only on the battlefield – they are now also waged on social media, and journalists are among the key figures in the fight against disinformation and manipulation.”

Professor Dragan Simić, Founder and Director of the Center for American Studies at the Faculty of Political Sciences, spoke about the importance of cooperation between Serbia, the Western Balkans, and the US.

“The relationship between the Western Balkans and the US must be based on trust and continuous dialogue, and journalism is one of the key tools to achieve that goal. Through professional and responsible reporting, we can contribute to strengthening democracy and stability in the region,” said Simić, recalling 143 years of diplomatic relations between Serbia and the US, their alliance in both world wars, and strategic cooperation during the Cold War.

Prominent British journalist David Patrikarakos, a special correspondent for the British Daily Mail, addressed the importance of social media, particularly in light of new geopolitical challenges worldwide.

“Wars are no longer fought only on the battlefield – they are now also waged on social media, and journalists are among the key figures in the fight against disinformation and manipulation,” emphasized Patrikarakos.

In a video address, Vladimir Lučić, CEO of “Telekom Srbija,” announced that by mid-2025, “Telekom Srbija” will offer mobile services in 12 European countries and the United States, positioning the company as a global player in telecommunications.

Lučić highlighted the strong support from the American Exim Bank and the European Investment Bank in deploying 5G technology across Serbia, reinforcing Telekom Srbija’s leadership in the country and the region.

During the conference, three panel discussions were held, where participants addressed topics such as responsible reporting in the digital age, the use of new technologies in creating media content, and the development of economic relations between the Western Balkans and the United States.

The conference “Next Generation of Leaders in Journalism: Enhancing Western Balkans – US Ties” was organized by IPESE from Belgrade and brought together prominent editors, journalists, and diplomats from the United States, the United Kingdom, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Watch the Conference: Next Generation of Leaders in Journalism: Enhancing Western Balkans – US Ties

Photography by: Goran Srdanov