On July 19, ZdG hosted an international conference dedicated to its fifteenth anniversary. Journalists and media managers from a number of states with fragile democracies attended this event alongside diplomats and experts on media, transparency and anti-corruption.

“You are really brave! So, take care of yourselves.  After all the truth you write, you are sure to have enemies.”
Nina Spoiala, Zarnesti village, Cahul

“For 15 years you have been close to people and the truth. I wish you good health and patience.”
Liubovi Golub, Ciniseuti village, Rezina

“I hope you remain loyal to your principles. And I look forward to seeing a picture with the whole team, to get to know those who make the history of Ziarul de Gardă.”
Nicolae Placinta, Drochia village, Drochia

“There is much to say for Ziarul de Gardă’s fifteenth anniversary. About the courage and boldness of the team that informs readers about the worst cases of corruption. Thanks to Ziarul de Gardă, we, the readers, believe that things will change for the better, that life can be better, and Moldova has a future. Happy Birthday, Ziarul de Gardă.”
Aliona Moraru, Bardar village, Ialoveni

“I participated in a training organized by Ziarul de Gardă. That’s how I learned about the professionalism of the newspaper team. I am now part of this team, and as a ZdG messenger, I promote transparency and truth among young people.”
Alina Varzari, Orhei

“I have to admit that I am a loyal reader of Ziarul de Gardă. Every week, I read each both versions in Romanian and Russian. I regret to mention that Ziarul de Garda is one of the few media sources which still exists in print form in Moldova.”
Peter Michalko, EU Ambassador to Moldova

“Happy Birthday, Ziarul de Gardă! I am very happy to be here at this  ZdG event. I am honored to listen to the speeches of the journalists present. It is motivating to hear about your fight for the truth.”
Roy Hans, representative of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Moldova

“I hope for the thirtieth anniversary you have a lot of ZdG guests. I wish that the popular support, which you enjoy today, becomes even greater. And for your readers to feel a greater need for ZdG and look for you in kiosks and online every day, not just in moments of crisis.”
Grigore Shvedov, Kavkazskii Uzel, Russia

“I follow with great interest all the publications of our partner in Moldova – Ziarul de Gardă. We know you, love you, respect you, and we will continue to respect you in any circumstances.”
Andrei Lipski, Novaia Gazeta, Russia

“I am delighted with the work of this media group. There are 15 years in which you remain unfailing to your ideas and principles, loyal to your audience and you are a good example for us. Congratulations ZdG!”
Sevda Samedova, Meydan TV, Azerbaijan

No Attacks and Pressures on Journalists

“I am delighted to be here today, on the 15th anniversary of the first edition of Ziarul de Gardă. After I first met Alina nearly 3 years ago, I ordered  Ziarul de Gardă for the Embassy, in both Romanian and Russian versions and everyone reads it.
Last week I was shocked to read the line from ZdG written by Alina Radu who attended the Global Conference on Media Freedom in London: Only 13 percent of the world’s population enjoys a free press. Media independence and the autonomy of the independent regulators has faced increased pressure.
At the local level, we have been providing support to the independent media in Moldova through the U.K.’s Good Governance Fund since 2016. We continue to support the development of an independent, unbiased and professional media that provides citizens with access to different perspectives, and the creation of a media sector that is more resilient to political and financial pressures.
We also want to see a reduction in state barriers to a free media, countries living up to their international commitments and a taboo on both direct and indirect attacks against journalists.
Let me conclude by wishing you lots of creativity and energy and innovative solutions to the issues that media is facing. Happy Birthday Ziarul de Gardă. La Mulți Ani, Ziarul de Gardă!”
(Fragment from British Ambassador’s speech at the ZdG conference dedicated to the fifteenth anniversary).
Lucy Joyce, Ambassador of Great Britain to Chisinau