Brussels, 15/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - On 6 May the European Commission is holding an international conference on freedom of the press in Turkey and the Western Balkans, a conference entitled Speak Up. In these countries - all EU candidate or potential EU candidate countries - there are regular problems with freedom of the media, problems listed in the Commission's annual progress reports. The 400-odd conference participants will discuss best practices to ensure freedom of the media. EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Füle will make the opening address. Earlier this week, Füle met reporters from Turkey and the Balkan states to discuss the situation in their countries. “Freedom of expression is not ensured just by adopting laws and creating institutions. It is a fundamental value, which needs to be cherished by all societies and without which no democracy can function”, commented Füle. (H.B./transl.fl)