In an era of rising authoritarianism, disinformation, and eroding public trust, media freedom is more than a democratic value—it is a frontline defense against corruption and abuse. On this World Press Freedom Day, the Southeast Europe Leadership for Development and Integrity (SELDI) reaffirms its commitment to protecting independent journalism across the Western Balkans, where civic space is shrinking and critical reporting faces growing threats.
The Freedom in the World 2025 report paints a stark picture: no country in the region is rated “Free,” and all remain Partly Free. Journalists face escalating pressure, from political interference to legal intimidation. Serbia, scoring just 1 out of 4 on media freedom, is marked by entrenched media capture, smear campaigns, SLAPP lawsuits, and dominance of pro-government media—especially during elections. Bosnia and Herzegovina, also at 1 out of 4, continues to struggle with political interference and threats against journalists, particularly in Republika Srpska. North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Albania score slightly higher (2 out of 4), yet still face challenges such as politicized public broadcasters, non-transparent ownership, and misuse of state resources to reward loyal media. Kosovo*, with a score of 3 out of 4, offers the most open environment but remains vulnerable to pressure in minority-dominated areas and attempts to politicize media regulation.
Across the region, independent journalism remains fragile—undermined by political influence, disinformation, and shrinking financial viability. Investigative outlets are often excluded from funding, targeted for harassment, or left to operate in hostile environments. The result is a misinformed public and weakened democratic participation.
According to Reporters Without Borders’ 2025 World Press Freedom Index, economic fragility is now the leading global threat to media freedom. In the Western Balkans, many outlets rely on politically connected advertisers or opaque subsidies, making them susceptible to influence and self-censorship. Without sustainable funding models, editorial independence is at risk.
In response, the European Commission has reiterated its commitment to media freedom as a core EU value. The proposed European Media Freedom Act aims to protect journalists, increase transparency in ownership, and curb political interference—especially relevant for Western Balkan countries on the path to EU accession.
Against this backdrop, SELDI has intensified its commitment to defending press freedom. Working with civil society across Southeast Europe, it supports independent watchdogs, develops media integrity assessments, and equips local actors with tools to resist capture. SELDI promotes constructive dialogue between journalists, policymakers, and EU institutions to keep media freedom at the heart of accession processes—particularly under Chapters 23 and 24.
This is not just about defending journalism—it’s about defending democracy. Journalists who expose wrongdoing play a vital role in building accountable societies. Their safety and independence must be protected.
On World Press Freedom Day 2025, SELDI calls on governments to dismantle media control mechanisms, ensure accountability for attacks on journalists, and end political favoritism in media financing. The EU must tie support to meaningful reforms, and donors must invest in long-term sustainability for public-interest journalism. Free media is the foundation of resilient democracy—and the right to speak truth to power must be preserved for all.
