EK: All high officials in Serbia must refrain from verbal attacks and threats against journalists.

“The Commission's stance is very clear: independent media are the public guardians who call those in power to account. They are a key pillar of European democracy. Journalists should be able to work freely throughout the European Union – this is at the core of media freedoms,” stated the spokesperson for the European Commission in response to a question from N1 regarding statements made by Minister Bratina.

The European Commission emphasizes that respect for media freedoms is expected from all candidate countries for EU membership, including Serbia.

"All high officials must refrain from verbal attacks and threats against journalists. The Commission's position on media freedoms in Serbia is clearly outlined in our latest Report on Enlargement for Serbia. It states that, although Serbia has amended its media legislation to further align with EU legal standards and European norms, there has been a regression in these areas during the reporting period,” remind officials from Brussels.

Recall that Minister Bratina stated on Wednesday that cross-border cooperation and media that broadcast across borders in Serbia, including N1 and Nova, “should not exist in the airwaves of the state.”

"Cross-border cooperation is protected by various regulations; they are concealed in such a way that the legal system cannot do anything about them, which is why we are seeking further changes to the law, as they should not exist in our airwaves," Bratina stated to Pink TV.

Source: N1