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May 12, 2026 – Serbia –
A coalition of ten international press freedom and journalist organizations has called on European Union ministers to take stronger action against Serbia over what they describe as a rapidly deteriorating environment for independent journalism, warning that escalating violence and political hostility toward reporters could lead to even more serious attacks if left unchecked.
In a joint appeal addressed to European affairs ministers meeting in Brussels, the organizations urged EU member states to support measures linking Serbia’s access to European funding with concrete improvements in media freedom and rule-of-law protections. The coalition argued that repeated attacks against journalists, combined with institutional inaction and inflammatory rhetoric from political figures, have created an increasingly dangerous climate for independent media in the country.
The signatories, which include ARTICLE 19 Europe, the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders, and the International Press Institute, stated that Serbia has experienced an alarming rise in physical assaults, online harassment, smear campaigns, and legal pressure targeting journalists since nationwide protests intensified in late 2024. They noted that independent reporters have frequently been labeled with hostile terms such as “traitors” and “enemies of the state,” rhetoric that advocacy groups say contributes to public incitement and intimidation.
The organizations also criticized what they described as widespread impunity for attacks on journalists, arguing that investigations and prosecutions have remained limited despite a significant increase in reported incidents. According to monitoring groups, Serbia recorded one of the highest numbers of press freedom violations in Europe during 2025, including physical violence, threats, surveillance allegations, and lawsuits aimed at silencing critical reporting.
The appeal forms part of broader international scrutiny of Serbia’s democratic trajectory and its obligations as a candidate for European Union membership. Press freedom groups contend that media capture, political influence over broadcasters, and intimidation of independent outlets continue to undermine democratic standards and public accountability in the country.
Advocacy organizations urged Serbian authorities to end smear campaigns against journalists, improve protections during protests, investigate attacks more effectively, and adopt stronger safeguards against abusive lawsuits and surveillance practices. They warned that without urgent institutional reforms and clear political accountability, conditions for journalists in Serbia could continue to deteriorate further.
Reference –
Serbia: 10 organisations ask Ministers for European Affairs to draw a red line on media freedom
