AZAS participated in Balkan Buzz 2026, a regional professional meeting dedicated to strengthening the rights and economic position of audiovisual performers, held on 10 and 11 September in Ljubljana.

AZAS was represented by Gorast Cvetkovski and Ivica Dimitrijevikj, members of its Board and Assembly, who contributed to discussions on fair remuneration, collective management, streaming platforms, artificial intelligence and the future protection of audiovisual performers.

Hosted at the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film and Television of the University of Ljubljana, the meeting brought together organisations from North Macedonia, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, alongside representatives of GAVA, AEPO-ARTIS and the Spanish collective management organisation AISGE.

The participants agreed that remuneration arising from private copying, cable retransmission and broadcasting should represent a minimum foundation for the economic rights of audiovisual performers. The discussions also emphasised the need for effective protection concerning streaming and other digital uses.

“Audiovisual performers must be recognised not only for their creative contribution, but also through rights that provide real and fair remuneration. The Ljubljana meeting gave us valuable experience that can support the development of a more effective system for performers in North Macedonia,” stated Ivica Dimitrijevikj.

Particular attention was also given to artificial intelligence and the use of performers’ images, voices and identities in the digital environment. Participants underlined the importance of informed consent, control and appropriate remuneration when performances or personal attributes are used through new technologies.

“Streaming and artificial intelligence are rapidly changing the audiovisual sector, making regional cooperation more important than ever. By acting together, we can better protect performers’ identities, creative work and economic interests in the digital environment,” stated Gorast Cvetkovski.

An important outcome of the meeting was the Ljubljana Buzz Note 2026, a draft joint regional statement defining shared priorities, key challenges and proposed activities ahead of the next Balkan Buzz meeting.

For AZAS, participation in Ljubljana once again provided an opportunity to present the position of North Macedonian performers, exchange experience with established organisations and contribute to common regional solutions.

AZAS will continue working with its regional and European partners towards effective protection, transparent collective management and fair remuneration for audiovisual performers. The Ljubljana meeting represents another step in the organisation’s proactive efforts to ensure that North Macedonia remains part of the regional and European dialogue shaping the future of audiovisual rights.