EFJ, UNS, NUNS, and the Independent Union: Euronews Serbia has dismissed journalists, cameramen, and media workers who defended the profession.

In the latest wave of layoffs, at least 12 journalists and employees have received termination notices due to alleged technological redundancy, citing organizational changes and the cessation of the need for their positions. At the same time, some employees were offered contract amendments that included pay reductions. It is particularly concerning that the vast majority of those whose contracts were terminated had previously opposed pressures and attempts to change editorial policy, to the detriment of the profession. This situation has persisted since the leadership positions were assumed by Minja Miletić, the regional director, and Dragana Pejović, the editor-in-chief.

What is especially alarming is that these layoffs are the result of non-transparent and ad-hoc evaluation criteria, which were implemented in a highly questionable manner – without justification, without evidence, and in violation of the rules set by the employer itself. The evaluations of work performance were superficial, incomplete, and inconsistent, and employees were not given the opportunity to adequately respond to them. The foundations of professional and dignified work are at risk.

Although the journalists performed their duties diligently and in accordance with their job descriptions, the evaluations they received do not reflect the actual situation nor are they the result of an objective performance analysis. Moreover, it was these manipulative evaluations that were key in making decisions regarding terminations.

For months, employees at Euronews Serbia have been subjected to censorship, a ban on questioning government representatives, threats of termination, repression for expressing professional dissent, and open demands for loyalty to the owner rather than to the public interest. For months, journalists and media workers have been working in an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, caused by continuous pressure and constant anticipation of further actions from the employer, justified by claims that the owners are allegedly dissatisfied with the results achieved. This situation has seriously compromised their health and sense of security in the workplace.

We remind you that this was preceded by the dismissal of journalist Marija Šehić, which was justified by alleged negligent performance of work duties and violation of work discipline, but essentially represents retaliation for her professional and courageous engagement in the fight for journalistic integrity and labor rights.

This attitude towards journalists and media workers became more visible to the public when, on April 18, a controversial text titled "We call on the authorities to enable RTS to operate" was published in the name of the media without the knowledge and consent of the majority of the editorial team, from which as many as 78 journalists and media workers from Euronews Serbia publicly distanced themselves. Instead of reacting responsibly and in accordance with professional standards, as stated by some journalists, the management continued with pressures, ignoring proposals, and prohibiting certain topics.

According to some journalists, only in recent weeks has internal communication begun to mention digitization and cost reduction as reasons for reducing the number of employees. However, this situation has not been the case since Minja Miletić and Dragana Pejović took over the management of the television station. Following their arrival, investments were made in new projects, additional expenses were incurred, and a larger number of people were hired – among whom are those who just lost their jobs this week (who are also on the list of those who publicly distanced themselves from the "Euronews" statement).

Despite the legal obligation, Euronews Serbia continues to fail to adopt an act to protect editorial policy, further confirming the intention to undermine professional autonomy and silence any resistance.

We once again call on and explicitly demand that the management and editorial team of Euronews Serbia immediately halt layoffs, pressures, and degradation of employees, revoke decisions on terminations made in a non-transparent and illegal manner, conduct evaluations in accordance with the law – objectively, with justification, and respecting the rights of employees, urgently establish and implement an act to protect editorial independence, and ensure conditions for free, independent, and dignified work without fear of repression and professional retaliation.

We particularly emphasize that professional standards, journalistic ethics, and the public interest must not be sacrificed for political or ownership interests. Media exist to serve citizens, not centers of power, and any attempt to influence editorial policy or silence professional journalists represents a direct attack on freedom of expression and democratic values.

We provide full support and express solidarity with journalists and media workers whose contracts have been terminated, as well as with those who remain working at Euronews Serbia, despite increasingly unbearable working conditions. We will continue to closely monitor the situation's development and timely inform relevant domestic and international institutions about all consequences and further pressures.

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has notified the Council of Europe's Platform for the Protection of Journalism about these cases and requested the initiation of an investigation into the actions of Euronews Serbia's management. In full solidarity with the dismissed journalists of Euronews Serbia, as well as with all media workers across the country facing political pressures and censorship, the EFJ strongly supports this appeal. It remains committed to defending media freedom, supporting journalists who are silenced for speaking the truth, and will continue to raise this issue at the European level.

European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)

Trade Union "Independence"

Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS)

Association of Journalists of Serbia (UNS)