Partners Serbia is pleased to invite you to the conference “Protecting Public Speech”, which will be held on 24 September 2026 at the Envoy Conference Centre in Belgrade (Gospodar Jevremova Street), ahead of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, marked on 28 September.

The conference will focus on institutional transparency, pressures faced by activists and independent journalists, and the protection of freedom of expression before the courts and in the digital space. In the context of the upcoming elections, we will discuss the state of institutional transparency in Serbia and the findings of Partners Serbia’s ten-year research on institutional transparency, as well as SLAPP lawsuits, unlawful surveillance and other mechanisms of pressure. We will also examine the challenges posed by emerging legislative and other mechanisms aimed at regulating freedom of expression online.

By bringing these topics together, the conference seeks to address the broader conditions that enable citizens, journalists and civil society organisations to access information, scrutinise the work of public institutions, raise issues of public interest and participate freely in public life, without fear of pressure or retaliation.

Please confirm your attendance by 21 September 2026 by following the registration link

The conference programme, including detailed information about the panels and speakers, is provided below:





For any additional information, please feel free to contact us at office@partners-serbia.org