Ten years of economic and social transition, or reconstruction, have certainly left a mark on civil society in Central and South-East Europe. Communication inevitably takes on an extremely important role within this framework. During the war and the subsequent disintegration of ex-Yugoslavia, the media were used to fuel ethnic and religious clashes. Nowadays, however, they are playing a key part in the social, moral and civil reconstruction of the entire region as it prepares to join the European Union.

Great structural changes are being witnessed in Eastern Europe today. As a result, communication can be recognised as one of the main factors in increasing the civil consciousness and participation on the part of citizens. At the same time, the development of the communication sector in Central and South-East Europe seems hindered by shortcomings in the training of young operators: the required professional skills are lacking, new technologies are far from widespread and opportunities to access to major international information sources are limited.

The training course
The Advanced European Media Training is a programme designed specifically for communication operators in Croatia. The course is addressed to journalists and other media professionals and aims to provide them with information and experience so that they can become more skilful in media management methods and practices. The main goal of the project is to provide media professionals with consistent knowledge of a relevant thematic scope and media management practices. The training programme is open to beginner journalists and media operators or students journalism aged 22 to 35. The International Institute Jacques Maritain is in charge of the general organisation of the course. It is supported by the local partner ICEJ.