The EFJ Assembly adopted an urgent resolution on the deterioration of media freedoms and the safety of journalists in Serbia.

The adopted resolution by the EFJ expresses serious concern over the escalation of attacks, threats, pressures, criminal violence, institutional failures, and the increasingly pronounced media captivity in Serbia. The document states that since 2024, the EFJ, in collaboration with the SafeJournalists network, has verified and documented 389 cases of media freedom violations affecting 643 media professionals in Serbia on the Mapping Media Freedom platform.

The resolution's justification specifically highlights physical attacks, death threats, violent intimidation, unlawful digital surveillance, smear campaigns, as well as instances where the police failed to protect journalists or directly endangered them during reporting. The EFJ has also warned of a documented pattern of organized intimidation against journalists on duty, including attacks and obstructions carried out by individuals with prior criminal convictions, including those convicted of serious criminal offenses.

During the presentation of the resolution, it was emphasized that in Serbia, it can no longer be said that these are isolated incidents, but rather a systemic pattern of pressures and impunity. Recent examples include the attack on Veran Matić while he was filming a gathering in front of the National Assembly, the destruction of equipment belonging to the N1 team at nearly the same location, and attacks on journalist Vuk Cvijić during reporting. It was particularly noted that some incidents were recorded in the presence of police, without adequate response, while in some cases police officers were directly involved in endangering journalists.

Through the adopted resolution, the EFJ strongly condemns the increasingly frequent attacks, threats, smear campaigns, criminal violence, and institutional failures directed against journalists and media workers in Serbia. The EFJ calls on the relevant authorities, primarily the public prosecutor's office and the Ministry of Interior, to investigate all attacks and threats swiftly, independently, and effectively, to ensure the protection of journalists on duty, and to regularly publish information on actions taken in these cases.

The EFJ also urged the Government of Serbia to stop smear campaigns and verbal attacks by public officials against journalists, to publicly condemn hate speech and threats, and to ensure that state-owned enterprises, public institutions, and regulatory bodies are not used as instruments of political or economic pressure on independent media.

A specific part of the resolution addresses the need for the European Union to consistently apply standards and conditions in the process of Serbia's European integration. The EFJ has called on the EU to set concrete and verifiable progress in the areas of media freedom, journalist safety, media pluralism, labor rights, transparency of ownership, and independence of regulators as prerequisites for Serbia's further progress in the European integration process.

The resolution also expresses concern over the announced sale of the Adria News Network, considering the broader context of media captivity, non-transparent ownership structures, political influence, and economic pressures on independent and professional media in Serbia and the region. The EFJ emphasizes that any change in media ownership must be transparent and accompanied by binding guarantees for the preservation of editorial independence, labor rights, trade union freedoms, and the public interest.

The NUNS assesses that the adoption of this resolution is an important expression of European solidarity with professional and independent journalists, media workers, editorial offices, and journalistic organizations in Serbia. At the same time, this document sends a clear message to domestic institutions and international partners that the safety of journalists, media freedom, and the protection of the public interest cannot be treated as formal issues, but as a key condition for a democratic society and the rule of law.

EFJ President Maja Sever commented on the attack on Veran Matić in Belgrade, stating that he is a journalist who built independent media in Serbia in the 1990s, opposed Slobodan Milošević, and after years under police protection, continues to fight for journalism.

"He was attacked for doing what journalists do. While documenting a gathering, he was physically assaulted by individuals who took away his mobile phone with which he was recording. The attack on Veran is a reflection of the everyday reality that journalists face today in many European countries. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a study showed that the majority of respondents believe it is sometimes acceptable to hit a journalist. That is why it is important and valuable that we gather to discuss, make decisions, connect, but also enjoy a wonderful concert together. Because building connections and strengthening cooperation is the essence of our work," Sever stated.

NUNS President Željko Bodrožić said:

“The numbers speak for themselves. But behind each number stands a journalist who has been beaten, threatened, or silenced. The EU must stop accepting formal compliance and start demanding real change.”

The General Assembly of the EFJ also expressed full solidarity with professional and independent journalists, media workers, and their organizations in Serbia.

The full text of the resolution can be downloaded here.

Source: NUNS