Reporters Without Borders’ annual World Press Freedom Index indicates a general deterioration of media freedom across most countries in the Balkan region. While some nations show progress, others report declines, with Bulgaria ranking 71st, one position lower than the previous year. The index classifies many countries as facing “problematic” conditions, while others are rated as “difficult” or, in the case of Türkiye, “very serious.”
Kosovo stands out as a notable exception, recording a significant rise of 15 places, though it remains among the lower-ranked nations in Europe.
Other areas of recorded improvement include Croatia, Romania, and Greece. Conversely, Slovenia, despite dropping three places, retains the best media environment in the region at 36th place, though the organization notes insufficient measures to protect journalists from defamation charges and political attacks. In several other countries, challenges persist.
Montenegro, now ranked 41st, continues to face threats from political interference and economic pressure despite constitutional guarantees. North Macedonia’s decline is linked to widespread disinformation and declining public trust in the media. Romania, ranked 49th, shows a diverse media landscape but suffers from a lack of transparency in funding and political interference regarding public broadcasting.
Overall, the report highlights systemic vulnerabilities across the region. Issues such as political pressure, corporate influence, and insufficient legal protections continue to challenge press freedom in multiple Balkan countries, despite localized gains.
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