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Divčibare,Serbia–27–29May2025
Public enforcement officers play a crucial role in ensuring the rule of law and the enforcement of court decisions across Europe. To promote greater understanding of their work among media professionals, a three-day workshop titled “Media Workshop on the Work of Public Enforcement Officers” was held in Divčibare, Serbia, from 27 to 29 May 2025. Organized by the Chamber of Public Enforcement Officers of Serbia in partnership with the Balkans Enforcement Strengthening Project (BESP), the event gathered public enforcement experts and media representatives to engage in open dialogue, share international best practices, and foster long-term cooperation.
Hosted in the serene surroundings of the “Crni vrh” Hotel in Divčibare, the workshop brought together key stakeholders, including journalists, legal professionals, and international experts, with a clear aim: to demystify the role and responsibilities of public enforcement officers and encourage responsible media reporting on enforcement proceedings.
A Structured Dialogue Between the Media and Enforcement Professionals
The event opened on Wednesday with welcoming remarks from Bojan Kostić, President of the Chamber of Public Enforcement Officers, and Zlaty Mihailova, Senior Capacity Building Expert and Project Director of BESP. Their introduction set the stage for an honest exchange of experiences, perspectives, and challenges.
The first part of the workshop delved into enforcement systems across Europe and Serbia, highlighting the reasons behind Serbia’s recent reforms in this field. Dr. Vujadin Masnikosa, President of the Executive Board of the Chamber, and Jos Uitdehaag, Lead Expert of the BESP, provided comparative insights into the functioning of enforcement bodies across European legal systems. Magdalena Novaković, Secretary General of the Chamber, supported the discussion with key statistical highlights from enforcement procedures in Serbia.
Exploring Public Perception and Media Narratives
One of the central themes of the workshop was the public perception of enforcement officers and how media coverage can shape that narrative. In a dedicated session, public enforcement officers Miljan Trajković and Filip Stanković introduced a compelling video presentation and guided participants through real-life case studies. The aim was to foster a more nuanced understanding of the profession, one that balances accountability with the vital role enforcement plays in the justice system.
An open discussion followed, where media representatives and enforcement officers candidly exchanged views about misperceptions, ethical reporting, and opportunities to build trust with the public.
International Perspectives and Informal Networking
On the final day, the workshop turned to international practices and experiences in enforcement-media relations. Experts Jos Uitdehaag and Zlaty Mihailova moderated a discussion about best practices from across Europe and how these could inspire improvements in Serbia. Participants engaged in a forward-looking conversation about strengthening collaboration between the media and enforcement institutions.
The event concluded with a dedicated networking session, offering participants an opportunity for informal exchanges and one-on-one discussions in a relaxed atmosphere. This time was instrumental in laying the foundation for future collaboration and mutual understanding between the press and public enforcement professionals.
Looking Ahead
By creating space for constructive dialogue and the exchange of international perspectives, the Media Workshop in Divčibare represented a significant step toward greater transparency and cooperation. The Chamber of Public Enforcement Officers of Serbia, in partnership with BESP, reaffirmed their commitment to public engagement, legal education, and the continued professionalization of enforcement services in Serbia.
As participants departed the mountain town of Divčibare, one message stood clear: fostering mutual respect between the media and the enforcement community is not only possible—it is essential for a well-informed public and a strong rule of law.
