Reporters Without Borders’ annual World Press Freedom Index indicates a general decline in media freedom across most Balkan countries. While Kosovo showed significant improvement, rising 15 places in the ranking, it remains among the lower-ranked nations in Europe. Croatia, Romania, and Greece recorded improvements, contrasting with declines seen in several other countries.
Bulgaria, for instance, ranked 71st, one position lower than the previous year, and is classified as having a “problematic” media environment. The index details varied statuses across the region’s countries. Slovenia remains the best-ranked country at 36th, although the organization expressed concern over insufficient measures protecting journalistic freedom, citing defamation laws as a risk.
Conversely, the report highlights that in countries like Bulgaria, press freedom is deemed fragile, with independent media outlets facing political pressure. Other countries reveal specific challenges. North Macedonia’s decline is attributed to widespread disinformation and a lack of public trust in the media, alongside poor conduct from public officials.
Romania, despite a diverse media landscape, suffers from insufficient transparency in media funding and political interference. Similarly, Montenegro faces threats from political interference and economic pressure, while Cyprus’s media is influenced by governmental, religious, and business interests. Overall, the report suggests that while some progress has been made in media freedom within these countries, persistent issues—including political attacks, legal threats, and funding opacity—continue to undermine the operational environment for journalism across the region.
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This consistent decline in media freedom across the Balkans is deeply worrying for regional stability.