Head of the EU Delegation: We expect high officials to refrain from verbal attacks and threats directed at independent journalists.

He adds that this is a significant challenge in Serbia, emphasizing the need to address the issues of political and economic pressure on independent media, including, as he states, editorial independence.

The Head of the European Union Delegation in Serbia, Andreas von Beckerath, stated for N1 that media freedom is of utmost importance and that independent journalism represents the essence of any democratic society. He made this statement in light of the European Parliament Resolution, which notes that it appears the government is negotiating with the owners of United Media to shut down the media operating within this group, as well as regarding the recent example of targeting independent media, when Minister Darko Glišić accused N1 of being responsible for an incident that occurred in Ćacilend.

“We constantly emphasize that there must be a conducive environment for the media. We consistently state that we expect high officials to refrain from verbal attacks and threats directed at independent journalists. This is a significant challenge here in Serbia. In relation to the protests, we see attacks on journalists. This is something we consistently mention in our reports. We need to see better measures for the safety of journalists. The issues of political and economic pressure on independent media must be resolved, including the editorial independence of the media,” he said.

He assesses that these are important parts of the European Union legislation and the European Media Freedom Act, which, he says, he expects candidate countries to align with.

The Head of the European Union Delegation in Serbia also spoke to N1 about the EU's policy regarding gas supply from Russia.

“What the Energy Council decided is that as of January 1, 2026, new contracts for gas imports from Russia will no longer be allowed, and there will be a gradual phase-out of those contracts, which will end for long-term contracts by 2028. This decision does not affect transit from the EU through third countries, which means it will not impact the transit of gas to Serbia,” noted von Beckerath.

He assessed that media reports claiming that Serbia will run out of gas are false.

“To be honest, one of the most frustrating things about my job is that I often see reports in the media that are simply untrue, which represent disinformation. The way this decision has been presented in most media, suggesting that Serbia will run out of gas because of this decision, is simply a lie,” he stated.

Source: N1