Serbia: Media freedom continues to decline at an alarming rate; the EU must respond.

According to data from the Mapping Media Freedom platform, as of July 11, a total of 95 documented cases of media freedom violations against 184 journalists, media outlets, and journalistic associations have been reported in the last six months. This is an unprecedented number compared to previous years.

The entire media system has been affected: individual journalists have been physically attacked, publicly defamed, threatened, dismissed, or pressured to resign. At the same time, the process of selecting new members of the Council of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) has raised serious doubts regarding impartiality and the risk of political control over the media sector. In this context, the undersigned organizations are sounding the alarm: the time for warnings has passed; international action is urgently needed.

Regarding the latest European Commission report on the rule of law in Serbia, it largely fails to portray the seriousness of the current situation. The undersigned organizations emphasize that ongoing intimidation and violence can no longer be viewed as a common practice. 

Violence during reporting from protests by the police

The role of the police has become an increasing cause for concern, as the authorities have shifted from passivity to direct confrontations with demonstrators and journalists, often using excessive force – including physical assaults and arbitrary arrests.

In recent weeks, at least 11 media workers who reported on student protests have been physically attacked, despite being clearly marked as journalists. During the major protest on June 28, characterized by disproportionate use of force by the police, numerous journalists were injured by batons, shields, and tear gas. As most of these incidents remain uninvestigated, perpetrators go unpunished. To combat this climate of impunity, we call on the authorities to urgently, independently, and thoroughly investigate each case of assault.

Although the EU has called for the protection of fundamental rights, including the right to freedom of assembly and expression in the context of protests, it has yet to issue a specific message regarding the alarming rise in violence against journalists.

In light of the EC report on the rule of law for 2025, we express concern about the very limited space dedicated to journalist safety, which is unacceptable at a time when threats are escalating and require much more attention and prioritization. The current approach risks underestimating the seriousness of the situation.

President Vučić's dangerous rhetoric towards independent media

Since the tragic events of November 1, President Vučić has repeatedly targeted independent media. By labeling the reporting of N1 and Nova S as "pure terrorism" and calling on the prosecution to act, he further endangers those media outlets that have already been targeted for their critical reporting. These statements followed the removal of both channels from the EON SAT (Total TV) satellite platform, which has recently been sold to Telekom Srbija, partially state-owned. Although the president denied ordering the removal, he stated that these channels could be shut down "in five minutes." Following his statements, N1 journalists received death threats online once again.

The undersigned organizations further condemn the latest smear campaign launched by the newly established pro-government Association of Journalists of Serbia (ANS) against the Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS) – a member of the European Federation of Journalists and a partner of the MFRR platform. The fact that one journalistic organization can be exploited to direct such attacks undermines the tireless efforts of media representatives to support independent journalists and their reporting on protests.

Dismissals of journalists defending the profession

In this context, the alarming rise in the dismissal of journalists and media workers in various editorial offices, who have faced threats, censorship, or received warnings for supporting protests or advocating for professional standards, is concerning. We express our concern that political motives have influenced dismissal decisions in editorial offices such as Euronews Serbia, ELLE Serbia, Večernje Novosti, and Politika. Demands for appropriate compensation for the dismissed and investigations into these cases have been requested through the Council of Europe Platform for the Safety of Journalists. The situation at RTS remains particularly concerning. Contracts have not been renewed for freelance collaborators in the public service who, along with many other employees, signed an open letter advocating for objective reporting.

The electoral process in REM does not meet EU reform standards

The process of electing members of the REM Council has once again been conducted in a non-transparent manner and without the necessary independence. Twice this year, independent candidates and organizations withdrew from the process due to numerous irregularities that favored pro-government candidates. Such practices violate Article 10 of the Law on Electronic Media and serve as further evidence that the authorities in Serbia are ignoring the reforms required by the EU.

All of this demands a strong response from the European Commission to protect the public interest, journalism, and fundamental freedoms in Serbia. The Commission must reaffirm its expectations in the area of the rule of law through clear demands, statements, and concrete measures to de-escalate the crisis before media freedom in Serbia is completely stifled.

Additionally, the European Commission must ensure that achieving tangible progress in human rights is a central condition for the allocation of funds from the IPA III fund and the new growth and reform fund. Further EU financial resources should be directed toward supporting civil society and independent media. The EU should insist on significant involvement of civil society and journalistic organizations in monitoring and overseeing Serbia's fulfillment of these obligations.

Finally, we once again express our full solidarity with journalists and media workers in Serbia who, despite increasingly difficult working conditions, continue to inform the public.

Signatories:

• European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
• European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
• Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
• Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
• International Press Institute (IPI)
• ARTICLE 19 Europe
• Association of European Journalists (AEJ)
• International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
• Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
• Index on Censorship
• PEN International

Source: EFJ

Original text: NUNS