Journal de communication de masse et de journalisme

The Role of Media in European Integration Process: Kosovo Case

Abstract

Arben Fetoshi

The paper “The role of media in European Integration process: Kosovo case” is a case study scientific research, which addresses media determinism on important political processes. By looking into the media importance in European Integration within the Euroscepticism’s threats and the EU criterion regarding freedom and pluralism of media in Kosovo case context; this paper aims to prove the main hypothesis on the irreplaceable role of media on ensuring civic support. For this research purpose, several methods were used, including Comparison and Analysis, whereas empiric research consisted on monitoring mainstream media, a survey with citizens and interviews with journalists and other representatives of media organizations. This paper proves the conditioned relationship between media freedom and the democracy scale, and the interdependence of relationship between politics and media in important processes as European Integration. This issue is of a paramount importance when bearing in mind that Kosovo – as the last country which emerged from Yugoslavia’s disintegration and which is moreover faced with serious challenges deriving from the non-recognition of its independence by five Country Members of EU – is the last one regarding European Integration by having the status of potential candidate.