The protection of digital rights is becoming an increasingly important topic in a time of accelerated digitalisation and growing online risks. The projects supported through this call contribute to creating a more informed and engaged society, as well as strengthening the capacities of the civil sector, it was stated during the signing of agreements with seven non-governmental organisations whose projects have been supported within the programme “Protection of Rights and Promotion of Digital Citizenship: Montenegrin Digital Shield (MDS)”, implemented by the Centre for Civic Education (CCE), in partnership with the SHARE Foundation and in cooperation with the Agency for Audiovisual Media Services, with the financial support of the European Union and co-financing from the Ministry of Regional – Investment Development and Cooperation with NGOs.
“By supporting these projects, society’s resilience to online misuse is strengthened, the digital skills of citizens are improved, and organisations that contribute to creating a safer and more inclusive digital space are empowered. It is important that, in this way, the network of actors who can effectively respond to the challenges of digitalisation continues to expand,” stated Daliborka Uljarević, Executive Director of the CCE.
Miodrag Vujović, Secretary General of the Organisation KOD, whose project was supported, emphasised that this is part of the response to the increasingly present problem of organised digital campaigns targeting civil society, journalists, activists, and individuals who defend democratic values and maintain a critical stance toward the authorities.
“Through negative narratives, disinformation and hate speech, these actors are increasingly labelled as ‘foreign agents’ or ‘traitors’, which systematically undermines their reputation and creates a climate of intimidation. The consequences are serious self-censorship, the deterioration of public dialogue, and the weakening of the foundations of pluralism and freedom of expression,” Vujović noted.
The President of the Trade Union of Media of Montenegro, Radomir Kračković, highlighted the importance of supporting young media professionals, who adopt new technologies most quickly and can initiate changes in editorial practices, which is also a focus of the Union’s project.
“As part of the project, we will conduct the first research in Montenegro on how journalists use and perceive generative artificial intelligence, filling a significant gap at a time when newsrooms still do not have developed policies for the use of new technologies. The findings will form the basis for training in the areas of digital security, copyright, data protection and relevant European regulation. Through their authored content, the results and recommendations will be further communicated to the wider public,” he explained.
A total of EUR 111,594.22 has been allocated to support seven projects: “Digital Security for Greater Financial Inclusion of Youth”, led by the Centre for Economic and European Studies (CEES), “Click for Youth Safety in the North”, to be implemented by Multimedial Montenegro, then “Digital Compass – Media Workers Between Media Literacy, AI and DSA/DMA”, realised by the Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (SMCG), “ThinkCritical. Why Does Critical Thinking Bother? Critical Thinking Under Pressure from an Anti-Democratic Online Environment”, led by Organisation KOD, “Law Through the Digital Galaxy: A Safe Click Is Your Virtual Shield”, which will be conducted by the Alumni Academy of the Faculty of Law of the University of Montenegro, “Digital (De)construction of Lies”, implemented by the Association for Responsible and Sustainable Development (UZOR), and “Kind Online”, implemented by NGO Prima.
Alma Novalić, project assistant