Media Freedom Organisations Urge EU to Address Press Freedom Crisis in the Western Balkans

The coalition warns of escalating threats to journalists and independent media, particularly in Serbia, where political pressure, violence and intimidation against reporters have reached unprecedented levels. Across the region, the shut-down of Al Jazeera Balkans, pressure on N1 and Nova TV, and the launch of Kremlin-backed RT Balkan underscore the urgent need for EU action.

Across the region, the recriminalisation of defamation, restrictive legislation, and funding cuts are undermining press freedom and media pluralism. The coalition urges the Commission to make clear demands to the authorities, especially to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, and to effectively use EU instruments, including the suspension of funds, to protect independent journalism and democratic values.

“The EU can play a decisive role in protecting journalists in the Western Balkans, and Serbia in particular, where we have seen shocking levels of violence against journalists and damaging rhetoric against the press from politicians, including President Vučić. The European Commission must act decisively to defend the right to independent and reliable information across the Western Balkans.” - Jasmijn de Zeeuw, Legal Advisor & Researcher at Free Press Unlimited

Coalition partners: Free Press Unlimited (FPU), European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso, Transeuropa (OBCT), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), ARTICLE 19 Europe, Index on Censorship, International Press Institute (IPI), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

Read the full coalition statement below.