Reporters Without Borders’ annual World Press Freedom Index indicates a general deterioration in media freedom across most Balkan countries. Kosovo is noted as a significant exception, reporting a 15-place rise in the ranking, though the nation remains low in Europe. Improvements were also recorded in Croatia, Romania, and Greece, while other nations experienced declines.
Bulgaria, for instance, ranks 71st, one place lower than the previous year, and the organization classifies the media environment there as “problematic.”
The report details varying states of media freedom among the countries. Slovenia, despite dropping three spots, maintains the best media environment in the region, though RSF expressed concern over insufficient measures to protect journalists, citing defamation as a criminal offense. Other nations face specific challenges: Montenegro’s press freedom is threatened by political interference, and North Macedonia suffers from disinformation and declining public trust in its media.
Romania, while possessing a diverse media landscape, faces weaknesses concerning the transparency of public funding for political parties and attempts at political interference in state media. Croatia improved its ranking but still struggles with government pressure and SLAPP lawsuits against the media. The overall picture for several countries remains challenging.
Cyprus notes significant influence from the government and the Orthodox Church over its media. Albania’s press freedom is threatened by conflicts of interest and an imperfect legal framework. These findings underscore that while some countries show progress in media freedom, many nations continue to struggle with political interference and regulatory instability impacting their media sectors.
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It is concerning to see such a widespread decline in press freedom across the Balkans.