Closure of Al Jazeera Balkans is a Major Blow to Media Freedom and Pluralism in the Region - Article

The SafeJournalists Network and the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) platform express deep concern and solidarity with over 200 journalists and media workers affected by the sudden announcement of the closure of Al Jazeera Balkans after 14 years of continuous operation

Serbia: Media freedom continues to decline at alarming speed, EU must take action - Article

 OBCT joins free expression organisations in condemning the decline of media freedom in Serbia

2025 Rule of Law Report – Country Chapter: Italy - Reports

The 2025 Rule of Law Report highlights both progress and persistent challenges in Italy's media landscape, including regulatory reforms and funding for public service media. Concerns remain over journalist safety, legal pressures, and stalled defamation law reform

2025 Rule of Law Report – Country Chapter: Romania - Reports

The 2025 Rule of Law Report highlights persistent challenges to media independence in Romania, including opaque political advertising, weak regulatory enforcement, limited ownership transparency, and stalled reforms to public service media governance

Organisations across Europe take part in actions against SLAPPs as Greenpeace International brings a groundbreaking legal case - Article

OBCT joins free expression organisations for the European Day of Action against SLAPPs

Challenges to the Rule of Law and Media Freedom in Montenegro - Reports

This shadow report provides an updated overview of the media landscape in Montenegro, highlighting the most pressing issues affecting the sector. Particular attention is given to political influence over the public broadcaster, the media regulator, and the broader impact of foreign actors

Shadow Report on Media Freedom in North Macedonia - Reports

This shadow report offers an updated overview of North Macedonia’s media landscape. It highlights both positive developments and persisting or emerging challenges. The report also includes a set of recommendations addressed to national authorities and EU stakeholders, urging decisive action to uphold media freedom in line with European and international standards

Kosovo: Steadfast support for Flutura Kusari as she seeks justice against Mentor Llugaliu’s harassment - Article

OBCT joins free expression organizations in expressing support for colleague Flutura Kusari, Senior Legal Advisor at the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), who has been the target of a prolonged online harassment campaign

Serbia: Media regulator election again made a mockery of EU-required reforms - Article

Process to appoint new members of media regulator council was again conducted in non-transparent and discriminatory manner

Global Climate Legal Defense (CliDef) - Support Centres

Global Climate Legal Defense (CliDef) is a nonprofit initiative founded in November 2022 during COP27 by Equation Campaign. Its mission is to protect frontline climate defenders—activists, scientists, journalists, Indigenous leaders, parents, and students—who often face legal, financial, and political backlash for their work.

CliDef operates through a four-pronged strategy:

1. Providing legal advice and strategic planning to help individuals anticipate and respond to legal reprisals effectively;
2. Funding and supporting local lawyers and NGOs, since pro bono legal help is scarce in many regions; 
3. Coordinating legal support, matching defenders with the right attorneys and staying involved throughout cases;
4. Building a global legal network, expanding the pool of expertise—ranging from tax and defamation to criminal defense—to strengthen climate defenders worldwide.

CliDef ensures that those fighting for climate justice are not legally outgunned by fossil-fuel interests or government power, enabling them to continue their vital work.