Serbian authorities must stop the spiral of violence against…

Serbian authorities must stop the spiral of violence against journalists

Media freedom in Serbia remains trapped in a downward spiral amidst record levels of physical violence against journalists, death threats and online smear campaigns, alarming levels of impunity, and tight political control over the media landscape, a coalition of media freedom organisations concluded.

31 March 2026

Following a two-day mission to Belgrade on 26-27 March, the partner organisations of the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Safety of Journalists and the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) assessed that the past year had seen a continued deterioration, leaving the country in a prolonged and worsening press freedom crisis. In absence of the recognition by state officials about the severity of the current situation for the safety of journalists, the delegation warns that chances of further escalation in the severity of attacks against journalists remain dangerously high. Multiple reports of journalists being attacked while reporting on the local elections held in 10 municipalities on Sunday 29 March after the mission concluded, reinforce the delegation’s findings. The use of violence to restrict reporting and the absence of protections fosters a toxic environment that severely hinders the ability of journalists to work.  

 

The mission came at a time of unprecedented physical  attacks on journalists and rampant online smear campaigns, led or amplified by influential members of the ruling party. Following the solidarity mission conducted by the MFRR in April 2025, the situation has worsened, despite repeated calls for action. Since the deadly collapse of Novi Sad train station canopy in November 2024 and the nationwide protests that followed, 294 press freedom violations targeting 513 media professionals and entities have been documented on the Mapping Media Freedom platform. During this time, Serbia has also been among the countries in Europe with the highest number of press freedom alerts on the CoE Platform. Following meetings with journalists, editors, trade unions and associations, the Supreme Public Prosecution office, the police, government and parliamentary officials, media outlets, the public service broadcaster, the international community and civil society bodies, the delegation is fearful that journalists are caught in a spiral of violence with few protections in place. 

 

The media freedom environment in Serbia is defined by physical attacks – often perpetrated by those charged with protecting journalists – verbal threats, including death threats, incitement to violence and divisive rhetoric, as well as extensive media capture. Violations also extend online; alongside online smear campaigns, coordinated bot attacks on social media accounts of independent media outlets and journalists, and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks on news websites have emerged as new weapons of censorship. Unaccountable use of spyware against journalists and media workers, and the lack of swift and independent investigation into the cases remain an alarming concern that deserves serious attention from the authorities. So far, no accountability has been secured. The widespread violations have been documented in the alerts published on the Council of Europe Platform and Mapping Media Freedom platform, and confirmed by first hand testimony from journalists from print, broadcast and online media. 

 

During a meeting with Ana Brnabić, the President of the National Assembly of Serbia, the delegation discussed the climate for media freedom in Serbia and called on the authorities to live up to the heightened responsibilities of those in power to avoid discrediting, demonising and targeting journalists and condemn all attacks. While she told the delegation she was aware of specific high-profile threats to journalists and the heinous legacy of impunity exemplified by the killing of Slavko Ćuruvija, this did not appear to extend to the full spectrum of threats made to journalists, including by the ruling party and amplified by pro-government media tabloids, social media and supporters of the party. Ms Brnabić committed to improve the government’s response rate to alerts published on the Council of Europe Platform. Since the platform’s launch in 2015, 61% of alerts from Serbia have not been responded to. The non-response rate in 2025, coinciding with the documented increase in alerts, was 85%. The delegation welcomed this commitment, but reiterated our request that Ms. Brnabic halt political attacks and condemn them, if they come from others, as a vital first step in rebuilding trust in the state’s willingness to improve media freedom in the country.

 

The increased violence against the press sparked by the nationwide protests in response to the November 2024 Novi Sad canopy tragedy, and the heavy state response that followed, has worsened through 2025 and continues into 2026. The Supreme Public Prosecution Office confirmed that there had been a 115% increase in the number of cases referred to it regarding media workers and a 367% increase in those related to physical attacks. This spike in criminal threats has been met with shocking levels of impunity. In 2025, only three convictions of those responsible for criminal attacks on journalists were secured by judicial authorities. A key factor, the delegation concluded, has been the continued breakdown of both the rule or law and the dedicated systems for the protection of journalists in Serbia. Poor response by the police to prosecutors’ requests concerning attacks on journalists results in the systematic failure to gather sufficient evidence to allow public prosecutions.

 

The role of police is central to the question of journalist safety. However, when meeting the Ministry of Interior, the Belgrade City Police Directorate and the Criminal Police Directorate, the delegation was alarmed by the absence of any acknowledgement of the severity of the issue and the failings of the police force when protecting journalists or investigating violations aimed at journalists. The delegation was not informed about a single case of a police officer who has been held responsible for allegations of misconduct or their failure to act. Even when presented with concrete and well-documented examples of police perpetrating attacks, the law enforcement representatives did not respond in a manner that would suggest a willingness to learn from these failings to fulfil their legal responsibility to protect journalists.

 

At the systemic level, the delegation expressed continued concern over the non-functioning of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) Council. The absence of a functional and independent REM Council represents a severe hindrance for the effective regulation of the overall electronic media and the licensing process. The situation also impacts the governance of Radio Television of Serbia (RTS), the public service broadcaster, as well as its oversight mechanisms. With the tenure of four members of the RTS board expiring in June, as well as a general election expected soon, the absence of the REM Council or any timeline by which it will be appointed will continue to embed uncertainty within RTS and the broader media space. In the meeting, Ms Brnabic expressed frustration over the situation and the desire to find a solution, in cooperation with international bodies. The delegation stresses that for credibility of the process to be acceptable under both Serbian law and EU accession progress mechanisms, the election must result in the appointment of a professional, pluralistic and ultimately independent body which acts in the public interest rather than in defence of political interests. These principles are absolutely non-negotiable for the process.

 

The threat landscape facing journalists is diverse and complex. Increasingly, civil and criminal legal actions are deployed against journalists to curtail their reporting, through the threat of costly and time intensive court proceedings. Data held by the National Anti-SLAPP Working Group has identified 48 SLAPPs targeting journalists, editors, publishers and the media since 2020. Investigative outlet KRIK is currently facing 14 legal actions. While prominent outlets may be able to respond through public solidarity actions and receive funding support secured through crowdfunders to mount a defence, for local outlets, who are already struggling economically, an abusive legal action may be enough to shut down their reporting. The Council of Europe Recommendation on countering the use of SLAPPs establishes a detailed roadmap to ensure member states, such as Serbia, can meaningfully tackle abusive lawsuits and protect journalism. Ms Brnabić referenced an eagerness to address this issue and these recommendations provide a strong starting point.

 

Despite clear data from Serbia’s own judicial authorities about the high numbers of attacks on journalists, following its meetings, the mission identified a fundamental disconnect between the seriousness of the situation on the ground and the assessment and response of the authorities. Clear political will is needed to break the downward spiral and ensure all attacks on the media are properly sanctioned under the law. Until then, and until political pressures on independent journalism are reduced, media freedom will continue to suffer, undermining Serbia’s EU accession aspirations.

 

The mission partners will publish a report outlining findings and providing recommendations to the Serbian authorities, which will also be shared with the Council of Europe, European Union and the Organisation for the Security and Cooperation (OSCE). 

 

The mission was led by Article 19 Europe and joined by the Association of European Journalists (AEJ), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), European Broadcasting Union (EBU), European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), Index on Censorship, International Press Institute (IPI), Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Vlasti u Srbiji moraju da zaustave spiralu nasilja prema novinarima i novinarkama

 

Sloboda medija u Srbiji ostaje zarobljena u silaznoj spirali usled rekordnog nivoa fizičkog nasilja prema novinarima i novinarkama, pretnji smrću i onlajn kampanja blaćenja, zabrinjavajućeg nivoa nekažnjivosti, kao i čvrste političke kontrole nad medijskim okruženjem, zaključila je koalicija organizacija za slobodu medija.

 

Nakon dvodnevne misije u Beogradu, 26–27. marta, partnerske organizacije Platforme Saveta Evrope za zaštitu novinarstva i bezbednost novinara i inicijative Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) ocenile su da je u protekloj godini došlo do daljeg pogoršanja, ostavljajući zemlju u produženoj i sve dubljoj krizi slobode medija. U odsustvu priznanja državnih zvaničnika o ozbiljnosti trenutne situacije u pogledu bezbednosti novinara i novinarki, delegacija upozorava da su šanse za dalje eskaliranje ozbiljnosti napada na novinare i novinarke opasno visoke. Brojni izveštaji o napadima na novinare i novinarke tokom izveštavanja o lokalnim izborima održanim u 10 opština u nedelju, 29. marta, nakon završetka misije, dodatno potvrđuju nalaze delegacije. Upotreba nasilja radi ograničavanja izveštavanja, kao i izostanak zaštite, stvaraju toksično okruženje koje ozbiljno otežava rad novinara i novinarki.

 

Misija je sprovedena u trenutku nezapamćenog broja fizičkih napada na novinare  i novinarke i rasprostranjenih onlajn kampanja blaćenja, koje predvode ili pojačavaju uticajni članovi vladajuće stranke. Nakon misije solidarnosti koju je MFRR sproveo u aprilu 2025. godine, situacija se dodatno pogoršala, uprkos ponovljenim pozivima na delovanje. Od smrtonosnog urušavanja nadstrešnice železničke stanice u Novom Sadu u novembru 2024. godine i talasa protesta širom zemlje koji je usledio, na platformi Mapping Media Freedom dokumentovano je 294 kršenja slobode medija usmerena na 513 medijskih profesionalaca i subjekata. U tom periodu, Srbija je takođe bila među zemljama u Evropi sa najvećim brojem upozorenja o kršenjima slobode medija na Platformi Saveta Evrope. Nakon sastanaka sa novinarima, urednicima, sindikatima i udruženjima, Vrhovnim javnim tužilaštvom, policijom, predstavnicima vlade i parlamenta, medijima, javnim servisom, međunarodnom zajednicom i organizacijama civilnog društva, delegacija izražava zabrinutost da su novinari i novinarke zarobljeni u spirali nasilja uz vrlo ograničene mehanizme zaštite.

 

Medijsko okruženje u Srbiji karakterišu fizički napadi – često počinjeni od strane onih koji su zaduženi za zaštitu novinara i novinarki – verbalne pretnje, uključujući pretnje smrću, podsticanje na nasilje i zapaljivu retoriku koja produbljuje podele, kao i izražena zarobljenost medija. Kršenja se šire i na onlajn prostor; pored kampanja blaćenja na internetu, koordinisani bot napadi na naloge nezavisnih medija i novinara na društvenim mrežama, kao i Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) napadi na informativne sajtove, pojavili su se kao nova sredstva cenzure. Nekontrolisana upotreba špijunskog softvera protiv novinara i novinarki i medijskih radnika, kao i izostanak brzih i nezavisnih istraga u tim slučajevima, ostaju ozbiljan razlog za zabrinutost koji zahteva hitnu pažnju nadležnih organa. Do sada niko nije odgovarao za ove slučajeve. Rasprostranjena kršenja dokumentovana su kroz upozorenja objavljena na Platformi Saveta Evrope i Mapping Media Freedom platformi, a potvrđena su i neposrednim svedočenjima novinara i novinarki iz štampanih, elektronskih i onlajn medija.

 

Tokom sastanka sa Anom Brnabić, predsednicom Narodne skupštine Republike Srbije, delegacija je razgovarala o stanju slobode medija u Srbiji i pozvala vlasti da ispune pojačanu odgovornost koju imaju kao nosioci vlasti, da se uzdrže od diskreditovanja, demonizacije i targetiranja novinara i i novinarki, te da osude sve napade. Iako je delegaciji rekla da je upoznata sa konkretnim pretnjama novinarima i novinarkama i sa zlokobnim nasleđem nekažnjivosti, koje ilustruje ubistvo Slavka Ćuruvije, činilo se da se to ne odnosi na čitav spektar pretnji upućenih novinarima i novinarkama, uključujući i one koje dolaze od vladajuće stranke, a koje dodatno pojačavaju provladini tabloidni mediji, društvene mreže i pristalice te stranke. Gospođa Brnabić se obavezala da unapredi stopu odgovora vlasti na upozorenja objavljena na Platformi Saveta Evrope. Od pokretanja Platforme 2015. godine, na 61% upozorenja iz Srbije nije odgovoreno. Stopa neodgovaranja u 2025. godini, koja se poklapa sa zabeleženim porastom broja upozorenja, iznosila je 85%. Delegacija je pozdravila ovo obavezivanje, ali je ponovila zahtev da gospođa Brnabić obustavi političke napade i da ih osudi kada dolaze od drugih, kao ključni prvi korak ka obnovi poverenja u spremnost države da unapredi slobodu medija u zemlji.

 

Povećano nasilje nad medijima, podstaknuto masovnim protestima širom zemlje kao reakcijom na tragediju urušavanja nadstrešnice u Novom Sadu u novembru 2024. godine, kao i snažnim odgovorom države koji je usledio, dodatno se pogoršalo tokom 2025. i nastavlja se i u 2026. godini. Vrhovno javno tužilaštvo potvrdilo je da je došlo do povećanja od 115% u broju predmeta koji su mu upućeni u vezi sa medijskim radnicima, kao i do porasta od 367% u slučajevima koji se odnose na fizičke napade. Ovaj nagli rast krivičnih dela praćen je zabrinjavajućim nivoom nekažnjivosti. Tokom 2025. godine, pravosudni organi doneli su svega tri osuđujuće presude počiniocima krivičnih dela nad novinarima i i novinarkama. Ključni faktor, zaključila je delegacija, jeste kontinuirano urušavanje vladavine prava, kao i sistema namenjenih zaštiti novinara i novinarki u Srbiji. Nedovoljno efikasan odgovor policije na zahteve tužilaštva u vezi sa napadima na novinare i novinarke dovodi do sistematskog neuspeha u prikupljanju dovoljno dokaza koji bi omogućili pokretanje krivičnih postupaka.

 

Uloga policije je ključna za pitanje bezbednosti novinara i novinarki. Međutim, tokom sastanaka sa Ministarstvom unutrašnjih poslova, Policijskom upravom za grad Beograd i Upravom kriminalističke policije, delegacija je bila zabrinuta zbog izostanka bilo kakvog priznanja ozbiljnosti problema i propusta policije u zaštiti novinara i novinarki i istrazi kršenja usmerenih protiv njih. Delegacija nije obaveštena ni o jednom slučaju u kojem je policijski službenik snosio odgovornost za navode o neprofesionalnom postupanju ili propust da reaguje. Čak i kada su predstavljeni konkretni i dobro dokumentovani primeri u kojima su policijski službenici bili počinioci napada, predstavnici organa za sprovođenje zakona nisu reagovali na način koji bi ukazivao na spremnost da iz ovih propusta izvuku pouke i ispune svoju zakonsku obavezu zaštite novinara i novinarki.

 

Na sistemskom nivou, delegacija je izrazila kontinuiranu zabrinutost zbog nefunkcionisanja Saveta Regulatornog tela za elektronske medije (REM). Odsustvo funkcionalnog i nezavisnog Saveta REM-a predstavlja ozbiljnu prepreku za efikasno regulisanje elektronskih medija u celini, kao i za proces izdavanja dozvola. Ovakva situacija utiče i na upravljanje Radio-televizijom Srbije (RTS), javnim medijskim servisom, kao i na mehanizme njenog nadzora. Imajući u vidu da mandat četvoro članova Upravnog odbora RTS-a ističe u junu, kao i da se uskoro očekuju opšti izbori, odsustvo Saveta REM-a ili bilo kakvog vremenskog okvira za njegovo imenovanje nastaviće da produbljuje neizvesnost u vezi sa RTS-om i širim medijskim prostorom. Tokom sastanka, gospođa Brnabić je izrazila frustraciju zbog nastale situacije i želju da se pronađe rešenje, u saradnji sa međunarodnim telima. Delegacija naglašava da, kako bi proces bio kredibilan i prihvatljiv u skladu sa zakonodavstvom Srbije i mehanizmima pristupanja EU, izbor mora rezultirati imenovanjem profesionalnog, pluralističkog i istinski nezavisnog tela koje deluje u javnom interesu, a ne u odbrani političkih interesa. Ovi principi su apsolutno neupitni za ovaj proces.

 

Spektar pretnji sa kojima se novinari i novinarke suočavaju raznovrstan je i složen. Sve češće se protiv novinara i novinarki koriste građanski i krivični postupci kako bi se ograničilo njihovo izveštavanje, kroz pretnju skupim i dugotrajnim sudskim procesima. Podaci Nacionalne radne grupe za borbu protiv SLAPP tužbi identifikovali su 48 SLAPP postupaka usmerenih protiv novinara, urednika, izdavača i medija od 2020. godine. Istraživački medij KRIK trenutno se suočava sa 14 sudskih postupaka. Dok veći i vidljiviji mediji ponekad mogu da odgovore kroz javne akcije solidarnosti i prikupljanje sredstava putem donacija za svoju odbranu, za lokalne medije, koji se već suočavaju sa ekonomskim poteškoćama, zloupotrebljeni pravni postupak može biti dovoljan da ugasi njihovo izveštavanje. Preporuka Saveta Evrope o suzbijanju zloupotrebe SLAPP tužbi uspostavlja detaljan okvir koji omogućava državama članicama, poput Srbije, da se na smislen način suprotstave ovakvim tužbama i zaštite novinarstvo. Gospođa Brnabić je ukazala na spremnost da se ovo pitanje reši, a ove preporuke predstavljaju snažnu polaznu osnovu.

 

Uprkos jasnim podacima koje pružaju same pravosudne institucije Srbije o visokom broju napada na novinare i novinarke, nakon sastanaka misije uočen je dubok nesklad između ozbiljnosti situacije na terenu i procene i odgovora nadležnih organa. Neophodna je jasna politička volja kako bi se prekinula silazna spirala i obezbedilo da svi napadi na medije budu adekvatno sankcionisani u skladu sa zakonom. Dok se to ne dogodi, i dok se politički pritisci na nezavisno novinarstvo ne smanje, sloboda medija će nastaviti da trpi, podrivajući aspiracije Srbije za članstvo u Evropskoj uniji.

 

Partneri misije objaviće izveštaj sa nalazima i preporukama upućenim vlastima u Srbiji, koji će takođe biti dostavljen Savetu Evrope, Evropskoj uniji i Organizaciji za evropsku bezbednost i saradnju (OEBS).

 

Misiju je predvodila organizacija Article 19 Evropa, a učestvovali su i Udruženje evropskih novinara (AEJ), Komitet za zaštitu novinara (CPJ), Evropska radiodifuzna unija (EBU), Evropska federacija novinara (EFJ), Evropski centar za slobodu medija (ECPMF), Index on Censorship, Međunarodni institut za štampu (IPI), Opservatorija za Balkan Kavkaz Transevropa (OBCT) i Reporteri bez granica (RSF).

Hungary: Espionage charges against investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi ahead…

Hungary: Espionage charges against investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi ahead of elections mark another dangerous step toward Orbán’s authoritarian rule

Hungary’s most renowned investigative journalist, Szabolcs Panyi, faces politically motivated espionage charges after revealing Russian interference in Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s election campaign. The undersigned organisations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) stand in solidarity with Szabolcs Panyi and denounce another dangerous step toward Orbán’s authoritarian rule in the run-up to the April 12 elections.

27 March 2026

On 26 March 2026, the Hungarian government said it intended to file a criminal complaint against Panyi, a journalist for VSquare and Direkt36, accusing him of spying for Ukraine. The espionage accusations surfaced just as the journalist, who has reported extensively on alleged links between Hungarian officials and Moscow, exposed unprecedented Russian influence operations aimed at boosting Orban’s re-election. Allegations involved Hungary’s foreign minister, Péter Szijjártó, who reportedly updated his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, with the details of confidential EU meetings. 

 

Earlier this week, the Sovereignty Protection Office (SPO) – a state administration investigating alleged “foreign agents” activities – and pro-government media launched a smear campaign against Panyi, accusing him of being part of a foreign influence network. The campaign escalated after pro-government outlet Mandiner published an edited audio recording of a conversation between Panyi and a confidential source. Following its release, senior government officials and media outlets accused the journalist of colluding with foreign intelligence and undermining national sovereignty.

 

In a statement published on social media, Panyi denied the accusations entirely, stood by his reporting and pledged to protect his sources: “Accusing investigative journalists of espionage is virtually unprecedented in the 21st century for an EU Member State. This is typical of Putin’s Russia, Belarus, and similar regimes.” He added: “Defending myself publicly would be easier if I were not bound by source protection. But that remains my top priority. I cannot reveal who provides me information or what I receive, including from within Hungarian state structures.”

 

In 2021, Panyi was among the five Hungarian journalists targeted by the Pegasus spyware, which an investigation revealed was deployed by Hungarian intelligence or national security services between 2018 and 2019.

 

The MFRR partners strongly condemn the baseless accusation against Szabolcs Panyi as a serious escalation in Hungary’s campaign to crush independent journalism. The pending criminal complaint is not only an effort to intimidate and discredit one of the country’s most respected investigative reporters, but also a blatant attempt to expose and silence his sources. 

 

By targeting Szabolcs Panyi, the Hungarian government is sending a chilling message to deter investigative reporting, and shield those in power from scrutiny in crucial election times. The MFRR urges the Hungarian authorities to immediately stop its crackdown on independent journalism, as well as fully respect the rules of the democratic game. We further call that the European Union’s response to this direct threat to media freedom and European democratic values be swift and strong.

Signed by:

  • European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
  • ARTICLE 19 Europe
  • European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
  • Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
  • International Press Institute (IPI) 

This statement was coordinated by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.

Joint letter to EU: Current visa policies obstruct Turkish…

Joint letter to EU: Current visa policies obstruct Turkish journalists’ mobility

The undersigned MFRR partners and other press freedom, freedom of expression, journalists’ and human rights organizations sent the following letter to the EU officials, regarding the long-standing visa problems faced by journalists in Türkiye.

26 March 2026

Drahoslav Stefanek, Chair of the Working Party on Human Rights (COHOM), Council of the European Union
Ellis Mathews, Head of Human Rights Division of European External Action Service (EEAS)
Beate Gminder, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (HOME), European Commission
Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), European Commission

 

The undersigned MFRR partners and press freedom, freedom of expression, human rights and journalists’ organizations are writing following the recent press freedom mission to Türkiye by IPI and a coalition of seven other international organisations, addressing an urgent matter that was raised repeatedly during meetings with media stakeholders in the country: the critical contradiction between the European Union’s commitment to support independent media in candidate states and current visa policies that effectively obstruct the professional mobility of Turkish journalists.

 

In 2025, the systemic pressure on Türkiye’s media landscape remained as entrenched as ever, continuing a long-term pattern of hostility toward independent journalism. The country had the second-highest number of press freedom violations documented on the Council of Europe’s Safety of Journalists Platform and third most on the Mapping Media Freedom database. This year has been marked by the criminalization of independent reporting through vaguely defined “disinformation” and “terrorism” charges, arbitrary detentions, systemic police violence, and fines on critical outlets.

 

Under these circumstances, a streamlined visa process is a vital lifeline for Turkish journalists seeking safe haven. Such mobility enables journalists to engage and network with European colleagues, participate in international training and fellowships, coordinate with foreign media outlets, and engage in professional exchanges that strengthen media quality and pluralism.

 

However, the current lengthy and unpredictable visa regime contributes to the professional isolation of Turkish journalists through several systemic failures:

  • Appointment and processing delays: Journalists report excessive waiting times of up to six months just to secure an appointment, with processing taking an additional two months. These delays render professional opportunities inaccessible and prevent attendance at important international conferences.
  • Arbitrary rejections and short-term visas: Many journalists report receiving visas valid only for the exact dates of a single trip or facing unexplained rejections, despite their profession and its collaborative nature.
  • Procedural inconsistencies for freelancers: There is a notable lack of institutional recognition and avenues for freelance and independent journalists. We have documented cases where journalists are advised to apply for business visas but are subsequently rejected because they lack the corporate registration required, a document that is often not applicable to project-based or investigative journalism.
  • Disproportionate financial strain: High cumulative costs and repeated application procedures create a significant bureaucratic and financial burden, particularly for small media outlets and independent professionals.

 

These barriers effectively sever Turkish journalists from their European colleagues, weakening professional coordination and cross-border collaboration on issues of shared importance.

 

In line with the European Union’s commitment to media freedom, we urge the EU missions and the Delegation to move beyond standard bureaucratic processes and recognize the public interest served by journalistic mobility.

 

We call for the establishment of a targeted “visa corridor” for recognized media professionals and those holding international press memberships.

 

In this context, we call on the European Commission to:

  • Establish a dedicated facilitation mechanism: Ensure that journalists have access to a specific channel that recognizes professional status, even in cases where state-issued press cards are withheld for political reasons.
  • Issue long-term, multiple-entry visas: This will reflect the recurring nature of cross-border reporting and reduce the financial strain on freelancer professionals and independent media organizations.
  • Simplify documentation requirements: Adapt requirements to the realities of freelance journalism by moving away from a reliance on traditional, long-term employment contracts.
  • Expedite processing times: Implement predictable and reduced waiting periods specifically for time-sensitive professional activities and press events.

Ensuring journalistic mobility is not a radical innovation, it is a practical adjustment within existing frameworks to support independent media and democratic accountability.

 

We trust that the European Commission will respond swiftly and effectively to this urgent challenge.

Signed by:

  • International Press Institute (IPI)
  • Articolo 21
  • Coalition For Women In Journalism
  • European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
  • European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
  • Foreign Media Association Turkey (FMA)
  • IFEX
  • International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
  • IPS Communication Foundation
  • Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA)
  • Norwegian Helsinki Committee
  • Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
  • P24 Platform for Independent Journalism
  • PEN Denmark
  • PEN International
  • PEN Norway
  • PEN Sweden
  • South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO)

This statement was coordinated by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.

MFRR’s vision for the European Centre for Democratic Resilience

MFRR’s vision for the European Centre for Democratic Resilience

The partner organisations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) have called on the European Commission and EU Member States to ensure that the governance and operational structure of the new European Centre for Democratic Resilience (ECDR) is anchored in a genuine whole-of-society approach, stronger coordination across existing EU instruments, and robust safeguards for fundamental rights, media freedom and democratic pluralism. The ECDR should not just become another hub, but an effective EU coordination and exchange mechanism that seeks to protect democratic resilience holistically and is of added value to already existing initiatives.

27 March 2026

The call follows the launch of the ECDR at the General Affairs Council on 24 February 2026. The creation of the Centre comes at a crucial time of rising geopolitical tensions, increasing authoritarian pressure, and sustained attempts to disrupt public debate across the European Union and in candidate countries. In its latest annual report on FIMI threats, the EEAS again warns about FIMI operations targeting the EU and partner countries, largely aimed at eroding trust, polarising societies and weakening democratic institutions.

 

With the ECDR as the “flagship initiative of the Democracy Shield”, the European Commission aims to respond to the external threats by strengthening democratic resilience, protecting public debate and building trust in democratic systems.The ECDR is intended to become a central hub for cooperation, information exchange and capacity building and whilst a necessary and timely initiative, it will only succeed if resilience places the protection of open debate, independent journalism and public trust at the core.

 

The ECDR must be structured in a way that creates meaningful exchange between EU institutions, Member States and independent non-institutional stakeholders. The proposed multistakeholder platform must not become a parallel or symbolic channel but allow for transparent, regular and formal exchange between policy-makers and non-institutional stakeholders, such as independent media, civil society organisations and other experts.

 

We also argue for consistent and coherent protection of democratic resilience across EU institutions. All relevant EU-instruments should be brought together under the umbrella of the ECDR to strengthen coordination and the ECDR should aim to connect and reinforce existing initiatives rather than duplicating them, such as national Centres on FIMI and disinformation. The ECDR should aim to support, inter alia, independent, evidence-based research andcross-border analysis. Additionally, we propose that there is a link to the work carried out by the ECDR to the systemic risk framework under the Digital Services Act. 

 

In an increasingly polarised geopolitical environment, the EU needs a stronger collective response to ensure democratic resilience, which would strengthen media freedom, pluralism, civil society and the public’s right to access independent information.

Signed by:

  • Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
  • ARTICLE 19 Europe
  • European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
  • International Press Institute (IPI)
  • Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
  • European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)

This statement was coordinated by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.

Czech Republic: IPI advocacy mission to Prague raises alarm…

Czech Republic: IPI advocacy mission to Prague raises alarm over looming media freedom threats

On 10–11 March, the International Press Institute (IPI) conducted an advocacy mission to Prague together with the IPI National Committee in the Czech Republic (CZ IPI), during which we met with media stakeholders, policymakers and government representatives to assess the media environment in the country.

24 March 2026

During the visit, IPI and CZ IPI met with the new Minister of Culture, Oto Klempíř, as well as MPs from the Chamber of Deputies and Senate working on media policy, and representatives of the Office of President Petr Pavel. The delegation also met senior and editorial leadership from public broadcasters Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo), and leading Czech editors and media executives.

 

Discussions focused on growing concerns over threats to the independence and sustainable financing of the Czech Republic’s public broadcasters, following the stated intention of the governing coalition to abolish the current licence fee funding model. The meetings also addressed the alignment of Czech legislation with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and challenges facing private media.

 

While in Prague, the IPI delegation also discussed with the civil society stakeholders the ruling coalition’s recently reported draft foreign agent–style funding bill and its potential implications on media and civil society in the country.

 

Following the meetings, IPI and CZ IPI strongly urge the Czech authorities that any proposed changes to the public media funding model must be developed in a transparent and inclusive consultation process which includes leadership from the public broadcasters, as well as media professionals, civil society and independent media experts.

 

IPI also reminds the government of its legal obligations under the EMFA to guarantee editorial independence and sustainable financing for public broadcasters and stress that attack on independent media or attempts to bypass democratic safeguards undermines Czech Republic’s commitments to upholding media freedoms and democratic norms.

Growing pressure on public broadcasters

Stakeholders expressed deep concern about plans announced by the government to implement changes to the funding system of ČT and ČRo. It is understood that the proposal would abolish the current licence fee system (150 CZK for Czech TV and 55 CZK for Czech Radio) and would replace it with a model based on direct state funding, although details are unclear. Stakeholders warned that such a change could threaten public service media independence by increasing the state control over its funding.

 

IPI and CZ IPI were informed that, despite repeated requests from both ČT and ČRo, the Czech authorities have so far not disclosed any concrete details regarding proposed changes to key stakeholders, including the leaders of the public broadcasters.

 

For more than three decades, ČT and ČRo have served as independent and trusted public-service broadcasters, reaching some of the largest audiences in the country. The licence fee model has been a crucial guarantee of their financial and editorial independence.

 

IPI and CZ IPI have consistently called on the authorities in the Czech Republic, past and present, to ensure secure and sustainable funding for the country’s public media system and to refrain from implementing major overhauls that could undermine the organisations’ independence.

 

Before being reelected in October 2025, Prime Minister Andres Babiš, vowed to make the merging of ČT and ČRo a central manifesto pledge, in addition to plans to replace the licence fee with direct financing from the state budget. The governing coalition, in particular the Freedom and Direct Democracy party (SPD) has dialled up pressure against the broadcasters and strongly advocated for the change in the funding model.

Article 5 of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), in full force since August 2025, requires all EU Member States, including Czech Republic, to guarantee the independent functioning of public media and ensure the funding procedures “are based on transparent and objective criteria laid down in advance” and broadcasters are provided with “adequate, sustainable and predictable financial resources corresponding to the fulfilment of and the capacity to develop within their public service remit”.

Preparation of foreign funding bill

During IPI’s visit, Czech media broke the news that MPs from the ruling ANO and SPD parties are currently preparing a draft of a foreign agent–style funding law which could affect NGOs and media operating in the country. According to reports, the development of the bill is being led by an advisor of the Prime Minister.

 

According to reports, the bill would create a new database run by the Ministry of Justice where any organisations with “public, political, media, educational, academic” activities and which receive any form of foreign funding would have to register. Plans for this registry reportedly include obliging organisations to provide a list of their employees and their job descriptions and list all relations with foreign states and their financial flows. Organisations which do not register would reportedly face a fine of up to 15 million crowns (€614,000) or a ban on “foreign ties” for up to five years.

 

IPI discussed with civil society stakeholders the impact this reported bill could have on non-profit and investigative media in the Czech Republic which are registered as NGOs. The exact scope of the bill and its potential inclusion of other media or journalistic activities is not clear.

 

In recent months, Prime Minister Babiš has accused some journalists of being part of a ‘deep state’ and running  “political” NGOs. This hostile rhetoric and the labeling of media outlets raise concerns that the proposed law could be weaponised against independent media organisations.

 

Foreign agent laws have increasingly been used by authoritarian and illiberal regimes, including some in Europe, to stifle dissent, stigmatize civil society and independent media, and cut off critical financial support. While such narratives are often couched in language of transparency or national security, their real purpose has often been to restrict access to funding, and weaken the public’s access to independent information.

 

Following the revelations about the development of the foreign funding bill, IPI calls on Czech authorities and political parties to refrain from the development of any plans for legislation that could threaten independent media, including non-profit media that are registered as NGOs.

 

IPI and CZ IPI will closely monitor the draft foreign funding bill and assess any potential impact on the media sector. We also renew our support for independent public service broadcasting in the Czech Republic and will continue to advocate for press freedom and media pluralism.

 

*On 23 March 2026, following a coalition council meeting, SPD party announced that the government coalition plans to submit a parliamentary bill to the Chamber of Deputies which would abolish television and radio license fees for seniors over 75, companies, unsupported young people under 26, and people with physical disabilities. This proposal would return the public broadcasters’ Czech television (ČT) and Czech radio (ČRo) funding to the level of 2024 and also abolish the provision for regular inflation-related fee increases.

 

IPI is concerned by these recent developments, which were not disclosed during the meeting with the Minister of Culture. IPI reiterates that any changes to the license fee should be formulated only by a broad working group that includes media experts, academics, and international media freedom organisations. IPI and its partners will conduct a more detailed assessment of the proposal following the publication of the bill in the coming weeks.

This statement was produced by the International Press Institute (IPI) as parts of Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.

Media in Serbia: Attacks and pressure are intensifying

Media in Serbia: attacks and pressure are intensifying

Journalists and outlets critical of Serbia’s political leadership are consistently targeted by high-ranking state officials, with professional associations reporting a record number of physical and verbal attacks. Despite international backlash, the government and aligned media continue their smear campaign against critical voices.

23 March 2026

At the end of February, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) published its Killed List Report 2025, an annual report on killings and attacks against journalists. The report shows that Serbia is one of the European countries with the highest number of attacks against journalists and cases of journalist murders that remain unpunished.

 

The IFJ explains that in 2025, the largest number of journalists lost their lives while carrying out their work in conflict zones, such as Gaza, where the Israeli army killed at least 56 Palestinian media workers last year. The report highlights that attacks on journalists also occurred during protests in many European countries, “with the highest levels of physical in Georgia, Serbia and Turkey”.

 

In Serbia, 44 physical attacks against journalists were recorded in 2025, compared to 14 in 2024, as confirmed by data published on Mapping Media Freedom.

 

These assaults include “excessive use of force by law enforcement officers, as well as arrests, mainly during anti-corruption protests. Journalists and journalism students were affected”, writes the IFJ.

 

Serbia is not an isolated case. The IFJ’s annual report shows that attacks on journalists have intensified globally, registering a significant increase (almost 13%) compared to 2024.

 

The International Federation of Journalists focuses in particular on impunity for journalist murders and disappearances, seeing it as “another worrying finding”. The Council of Europe’s platform for the safety of journalists lists all cases of journalist murders that have remained unpunished. Of a total of fifty cases, nineteen involve journalists killed or disappeared in Kosovo between 1998 and 2005.

 

Among the countries with the highest number of unsolved journalist murders are Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and Serbia. One of the crimes than “remain scandalously unpunished” is the murder of Slavko Ćuruvija in Belgrade in April 1999.

Attacks continue

Assaults on journalists, unfortunately, continued in the first three months of 2026, and there is no hope of an end, as confirmed by journalists’ associations that carefully monitor and document attacks on media professionals. According to data released by the Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS), 38 incidents were recorded in January and 34 in February, including eight physical attacks and as many death threats.

 

In January, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation (SĆF) recorded 160 verbal attacks against critical media and journalists by senior state officials and members of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). In February, the number of attacks rose to 71.

 

The Foundation’s analysis shows that the majority of attacks recorded since the beginning of 2026 came from SNS MPs Nebojša Bakarec and Milenko Jovanov, Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, and SNS leader Miloš Vučević. In its monthly report “Politicians Against Journalists in Serbia”, the SĆF states that the daily newspaper Danas, television stations N1 and Nova S, and, for the first time, the portal Istinomer, were the most targeted in February.

 

“As has become customary”, denounces the SĆF, “the targeted media outlets were labeled as anti-Serb, Ustasha, blokaderi and tycoon media, criminal Šolak’s media, poisonous, and the journalists of those editorial offices were labeled as fake journalists of Šolak’s media, cynics of the tycoon media, idiots of N1 and Nova S, lobbyists of N1 and Nova S, socio-political operators passing themselves off as journalists, self-proclaimed journalists and the like”.

 

The media are attacked for various reasons: sometimes for covering certain political issues, such as the recent amendment to the Judiciary Law and the visit of a European Parliament delegation to Belgrade, other times for covering civic and student protests and addressing uncomfortable issues such as the arrest of suspects in an alleged assassination attempt on Vučić and the protest in Novi Sad during the Matica Srpska anniversary celebrations.

 

These are mostly direct attacks, in which officials discredit the media and journalists, calling into question their professionalism and independence. One in ten attacks involves accusing journalists and the media of being traitors and foreign mercenaries, while one in five involves dehumanisation. Over a fifth of the attacks target journalists, accusing them of inciting, preparing and supporting criminal acts.

 

The goal of all attacks is to discredit, silence and intimidate independent and critical voices.

 

“In most cases, officials discredit the media and journalists, calling into question their professionalism, independence and honesty. […] Independent media have been accused, without any evidence, of inciting Vučić’s murder, of being ‘media sponsors of crimes and violence’ and of wanting to ‘hang, ride, and kill’ political opponents”, reads the report.

Malicious campaigns and hacker attacks

The beginning of the year was also marked by the campaign against Veran Matić, president of the board of the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) and a member of the Permanent Working Group on Journalists’ Safety. Specifically, the Center for Social Stability, a Novi Sad-based organisation close to the ruling leadership, produced a documentary in which Matić is labeled an enemy of the Serbian state and society and a foreign agent working against Serbia for decades. Given that the film was broadcast by numerous pro-government outlets, it is clear that this was a malicious campaign orchestrated against Matić, as confirmed by the Coalition for Media Freedom.

 

In addition to traditional attacks, the beginning of the year also saw numerous hacks targeting several media outlets, including Radar, Južne Vesti and Glas Šumadije. The Coalition for Media Freedom warns that these attacks are part of a broader, ongoing campaign threatening freedom of expression. The scale and intensity of the attacks suggest that the campaign is not driven by individuals, but by well-organised structures with significant financial resources.

 

As the Coalition for Media Freedom points out, the attacks are coordinated and often coincide with important political events, such as elections, protests and the publication of journalistic investigations. Although international institutions and Serbian organisations have repeatedly called for clarification on these cases, to date no cyberattack against media outlets in Serbia has resulted in a judicial outcome, nor has the identity of those responsible been identified.

 

“Hacking media websites is a crime, and the relevant institutions have an obligation to investigate and identify those responsible. Identifying those responsible is crucial to protecting media content, security and the public’s right to timely information”, says the Coalition for Media Freedom.

 

In a country like Serbia, where the ruling elite holds all public institutions hostage – including the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM), which should be the first to respond to serious violations of the law – it is unlikely that attacks on the media, and on critical voices in general, will cease spontaneously.

 

The consequences of years of impunity for attacks against media workers and the growing presence of hate speech in the media, often emanating from high-ranking state officials and their associates, have long been felt. These phenomena contribute to the climate of impunity and legitimise pressure on journalists, thus restricting the space for free and critical journalism.

 

Without a clear institutional response and the political will to protect journalists and media freedom, this trend will not only continue but will undermine fundamental democratic principles and citizens’ right to timely and truthful information.

This publication was coordinated by the Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.

Media freedom in Hungary at a crossroads ahead of…

Media freedom in Hungary at a crossroads ahead of election

2 April, 15:00 CET

As the general election approaches on 12 April 2026, the fate of media freedom in Hungary stands at yet another major crossroads.

 

If the Fidesz party of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán triumphs again, leading officials have already threatened to “complete” the job of driving “pseudo journalists” and media organisations which receive foreign funds out of the country. After 15 years of the dramatic erosion of press freedom and media pluralism, another four years of authoritarian rule would likely see the space for independent journalism shrink further, and the potential return of a previously shelved foreign funding bill.

 

If the opposition party led by challenger Péter Magyar wins, his Tisza party has pledged in their manifesto to carry out major media reforms to address “state propaganda” and “disinformation”, including by adopting a new media law, reforming media regulatory bodies, suspending public media news broadcasting after taking office until reforms are carried out, and putting a temporary moratorium on state advertising in media.

 

Taken together, the opposition’s reform agenda appears aimed at breaking the government monopoly on information in Hungary’s media ecosystem. However, in a media landscape future proofed by Fidesz against major structural reform, there are already growing concerns that the measures used to do so by a Tisza government could bring their own risks and face major legal and political challenges.

 

In this one-hour session on 2 April, the International Press Institute (IPI) and the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) will bring together leading Hungarian media experts and journalists to analyse these diverging paths post-election and discuss different recommendations for long-term, democratic reform.

 

On the panel, we’ll hear from the authors of a new report by the Rule of Law Lab at New York University School of Law, in collaboration with Hungarian watchdog Mérték Media Monitor, which analyses 15 years of Fidesz’s playbook for repressing independent media.

 

The International Press Institute (IPI) will also present its blueprint for media reform in Hungary, featuring key recommendations for regenerating media freedom and pluralism in the country.

Register here

Moderator

Jamie Wiseman

Senior Europe Advocacy Officer, International Press Institute (IPI)

Speakers

Bea Bodrogi

Hungarian media law expert and expert advisor at the Rule of Law Lab at New York University School of Law

Dr. Gábor Polyák

Professor and head of the Department of Media and Communication at Eötvös Loránd University, senior researcher of Mertek Media Monitor

Flora Garamvolgyi

Hungarian-American global affairs reporter for The Guardian

Serbia: Coordinated smear campaign by the Centre for Social…

Serbia: Coordinated smear campaign by the Centre for Social Stability requires urgent response from authorities

Over the past month, the Centre for Social Stability, a non-governmental organisation known for targeting independent journalists, intensified its ongoing smear campaign against Veran Matić, President of the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) and member of the Permanent Working Group on the Safety of Journalists. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) strongly condemns these shameful attacks and calls on Serbian authorities to respond promptly by launching an investigation into the Center for Social Stability.

20 March 2026

On 18 March 2026, the Centre for Social Stability incited hostility towards ANEM President  Veran Matić on its social media, with a declaration dangerously echoing a 2003 remark by former Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić before the assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Đinđić.

 

Weeks before the attack, Veran Matić and other media figures were portrayed as “enemies of the state” in the documentary series ‘Evil Age 2 Creating Propaganda’. The documentary, which consists in selective framing and fabricated narratives to discredit independent journalism, was broadcast on national and cable TV on 29 January, and rebroadcast by the pro-government media Informer early February. Footage in the documentary showing Matić at the commemoration of murdered journalist Slavko Ćuruvija heightened particular concerns for his safety.

 

While multiplying dangerous rhetorics against Veran Matić, the organisation recently published a list of 45 future targets in upcoming episodes. More than half of those named are independent journalists, many affiliated with United Media Group, who have previously been targets of political pressure and threats that remain unpunished to this day.

 

Representatives of organisations tirelessly defending journalists under attack are also threatened, including Željko Bodrožić, president of the Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS), an EFJ affiliate, and Ana Lalić Hegedis, president of the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina (NDNV).

 

This smear campaign is part of a deep-rooted trend of intimidating and silencing those who work to defend press freedom and professional journalistic standards. While the Centre for Social Stability is named as the producer, the identity of its author, narrator, and sources for the images and video remains unknown.

 

“The broadcast of such defamatory and manipulative content on television during primetime, coupled with the authorities’ lack of response, reflects a climate of impunity when it comes to attacking journalists. Those in authority, including Vučić and his party, who publicly discredit journalists and other representatives, bear responsibility for this public harassment.  We are also alarmed by the prolonged absence of a functioning Council of the Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (REM), which has permitted the dissemination of harmful and potentially dangerous content over the past two years,” said Renate Schroeder, Director of the EFJ.

 

The EFJ, alongside its partners from the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) and the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Protection of Journalists, will undertake a two-day mission to Belgrade on March 26–27. This mission is a follow-up to a previous solidarity visit, which concluded that the situation was already critical for the safety of some Serbian journalists. Since then, despite our repeated calls and recommendations, the situation has deteriorated alarmingly.

This statement was produced by EFJ as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.

Serbia: Media freedom mission to probe longstanding challenges and…

Serbia: Media freedom mission to probe longstanding challenges and advocate for reform

On 26-27 March 2026, partner organisations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) and of the Council of Europe Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists will conduct a mission to Serbia.

20 March 2026

Against the backdrop of ongoing challenges to media pluralism and increasing attacks and pressure on independent journalists – particularly in the wake of nationwide protests following the Novi Sad tragedy on 1 November 2024 – as highlighted by the recently launched 2025 Europe Press Freedom report of the CoE Platform partners, and the 2025  MFRR Monitoring Report, the mission will assess the current media freedom and safety of journalists’ situation in the country. The visit follows-up on a solidarity mission of media freedom groups in April 2025 to discuss possible measures to improve the safety of journalists. The delegation aims to meet with journalists, public officials, as well as representatives of civil society, international organisations, and foreign representations in Belgrade. 

 

Key topics on the agenda include violence against journalists during protests, SLAPPs, impunity for the killing of journalists, media capture, the independence of the media regulator and public service media, investigations into spyware cases, and digital threats against journalists. 

 

The partners will share their initial findings at a press conference on 27 March 2026 at 14:00, at the memorial of murdered journalist Slavko Ćuruvija (Svetogorska 35, Belgrade). 

 

The delegation will include representatives from the following organisations: ARTICLE 19 Europe, Association of European Journalists (AEJ), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), European Broadcasting Union, European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), European Federation of Journalists (EFJ),  Index on Censorship, International Press Institute (IPI), Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT), and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). 

 

Media contacts: 

Katia Mierzejewska, katia.mierzejewska@article19.org 

Srbija: Misija za slobodu medija ispituje dugogodišnje izazove i zagovara reforme

U periodu od 26. do 27. marta 2026. godine, partnerske organizacije Mehanizma za brzi odgovor u oblasti slobode medija (Media Freedom Rapid Response) i Platforme Saveta Evrope za bezbednost novinara sprovešće zagovaračku misiju u Srbiji.

 

U kontekstu dugotrajnih izazova za medijski pluralizam i rastućih napada i pritisaka na nezavisne novinare, posebno nakon masovnih protesta širom zemlje koji su usledili posle tragedije u Novom Sadu 1. novembra 2024. godine, misija će proceniti trenutno stanje slobode medija u zemlji.

 

Delegacija će se nadovezati na  nalaze prethodne misije solidarnosti organizacija za slobodu medija iz aprila 2025, kao i nedavno objavljenog izveštaja „Europe Press Freedom 2025“ partnerskih organizacija Platforme Saveta Evrope, kako bi se razgovaralo o mogućim merama za unapređenje bezbednosti novinara.

 

Tokom posete, delegacija će se sastati sa novinarima, predstavnicima javnih institucija i Vlade, kao i predstavnicima civilnog društva i međunarodnih organizacija.

 

Ključne teme na agendi uključuju nasilje nad novinarima tokom protesta, SLAPP tužbe, nekažnjivost za ubistva novinara, zarobljavanje medija, nezavisnost medijskog regulatora i javnih servisa, istrage u slučajevima špijunskog softvera, kao i digitalne pretnje novinarima.

 

Nakon dvodnevne misije, partneri će predstaviti početne nalaze na konferenciji za medije u Beogradu, održanoj na mestu gde je ubijen i gde se nalazi spomen-obeležje ubijenom novinaru Slavku Ćuruviji, 27. marta 2026. godine u 14:00, Svetogorska 35.

 

Delegaciju će činiti predstavnici i predstavnice sledećih organizacija: Article 19, Evropski centar za štampu i slobodu medija – European Center for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), Evropska federacija novinara – European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), Reporteri bez graninca – Reporters Without Borders (RWB-RSF), Medjunarodni pres institut – International Press Institute (IPI), Komitet za zaštitu novinara – Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Opservatorija za Balkan Kavkaz Transevropa – Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT), Asocijacija evropskih novinara – Association of European Journalists (AEJ), Indeks cenzure – Index on Censorship, Evropska radiodifuzna unija  – European Broadcasting Union

 

Media contacts: 

Katia Mierzejewska, katia.mierzejewska@article19.org 

Georgia: New laws threaten to paralyze independent media

Georgia: New laws threaten to paralyze independent media

The International Press Institute (IPI) today strongly condemns the Georgian parliament’s adoption of a sweeping new legislative package that criminalises foreign funding and cooperation, warning it will paralyze the operations of the country’s vital independent media sector.

11.03.2026

The measures threaten to cut independent journalism and civil society off from vital lifelines of financial support and impose new forms of censorship. IPI calls on Georgia to immediately repeal these laws and cease legal harassment of the media.

Adopted on 4 March 2026, the Georgian Dream–led parliament’s legislative package dramatically expands state control over foreign funding and introduces potential criminal sanctions for cooperation with international entities or donors. It also criminalises public criticism of the government’s legitimacy, imposing additional censorship on critical reporting. Taken together, these amendments equate watchdog reporting with criminal activity.

The amendments significantly broaden the definition of a “grant” requiring government approval and introduce criminal liability, including prison sentences, for violations. The new definition of “grant” covers virtually any form of foreign funding or assistance if it serves vaguely defined political goals. Additionally, the list of entities considered as grant recipients has been expanded and now includes foreign-based organisations working on Georgia-related issues.

Under the new law, which IPI previously raised alarm over, violations may result in fines, 300–500 hours of community service, or imprisonment of up to six years, with harsher penalties in certain cases. The legislation also applies retroactively: unused grants received before the law’s enactment will require new government approval, and recipients will be barred from using the funds if permission is denied. The law will directly affect media receiving international funding for journalism projects, grants, training or travel to conferences or events outside Georgia.

In addition, the law introduces an “extremism” provision, punishing acts that “systematically” question the government’s legitimacy with up to three years’ imprisonment for individuals. Organisations, including media outlets, could face heavy fines or even forced closure if accused of committing such acts.

Intensified legal harassment

The latest proposals add to an alarming list of restrictive pieces of legislation that undermine media freedom and civil society in Georgia that were already passed in 2025 and 2024.

The adoption of repressive and undemocratic legislation, along with widespread political persecution, is unfolding at an unprecedented scale in Georgia, an EU candidate country once widely considered as a beacon of democracy in the South Caucasus.

IPI warns the GD is increasingly relying on the Russian authoritarian playbook to silence critics, undermine human rights and dismantle democratic institutions.

GD adopted the legislative package on the same day as the Supreme Court of Georgia rejected considering an appeal of two-year prison sentence of IPI World Press Freedom Hero Mzia Amaglobeli, once again signalling its determination to fully suffocate the space for independent journalism.

Moving forward, IPI renews our call on the European Union and the international community to respond robustly to the ruling party’s clampdown on media and civil society, including through additional targeted sanctions. This pressure must be applied to not only the Georgian Dream officials but every decision maker as well as judges, responsible for the crackdown on media freedom.

The OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism, for which IPI and press freedom partners provided a recent briefing on media freedom, should directly address the new legislative package and its upcoming findings. This report should prompt OSCE participating states to take concrete steps to address the situation in Georgia, as well as additional scrutiny by the Venice Commission.

Media freedom and freedom of expression are essential pillars of democracy and European values, and should be placed at the centre of Georgia’s relationship with the EU and international community.

This statement was coordinated by IPI as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.