Ten demands for maintaining media freedom in Czechia - Article

Media freedom is the cornerstone of every democratic society. Independent journalism, together with media literacy and free access to information, is the best prevention against disinformation. In the run-up to the Czech parliamentary elections on 3 and 4 October 2025, the undersigned organisations therefore propose to political parties specific steps to protect these values

Serbia: MFRR partners warn against attempt to seize political control of last remaining independent TV stations N1 and Nova - Article

OBCT and MFRR partners warn of political interference in United Group media in Serbia

Moldovan women journalists challenging Russian disinformation - Article

Last fall, Moldovan investigative journalists Natalia Zaharescu and Măriuța Nistor infiltrated the network of pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Șor for three months. They documented the illegal techniques used to mobilize people and the risks faced by journalists working in this context

By Gian Marco Moisé

Originally published by OBCT. Also available in ITA

Croatia: indicators on the Level of Media Freedom and Journalists’ Safety Index 2024 - Reports

This report is focused on monitoring the level of Media Freedom and Journalists’ Safety in Croatia (2024)

Independent Legal Analysis of the Amendments to the Criminal Code and Recommendations on Freedom of Expression - Reports

The latest SCiDEV analysis warns that Albania’s draft Penal Code poses serious risks to freedom of expression and media independence, urging decriminalization of defamation and alignment with European human rights and rule of law standards

EAPIL Working Group on Anti-SLAPP Directive Transpositions - Stakeholders

The European Association of Private International Law (EAPIL) Working Group on Anti-SLAPP Directive Transpositions is focused on the analysis and promotion of the correct and effective implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/1069 across the Member States of the European Union. The Directive introduces safeguards against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), which pose a growing threat to freedom of expression and the rule of law. Particular attention is devoted to Articles 16 and 17, which introduce specific rules of private international law (PIL), as well as to other procedural provisions with PIL relevance. By fostering scholarly and practical dialogue, the WG aims to contribute to a consistent and coherent transposition of the Directive, enhancing the protection of democratic debate throughout the European legal space.

Albania: Media freedom groups write to authorities over Focus Media Group obstruction - Article

OBCT joined MFRR partners and other media freedom and journalist organisations in signing an open letter to the Albanian authorities, expressing growing concern over the ongoing obstruction of journalistic work following the recent police blockade of the Focus Media Group building in Tirana and the failure to comply with a recent court ruling

Albania: Urgent answers needed on Focus Media Group blockade and journalists’ right to work - Article

We join the SafeJournalists Network, partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and Albanian media freedom organisations in expressing concern over the police blockade and subsequent events affecting Focus Media Group, News24, BalkanWeb, Panorama, Gazeta Shqiptare, and other affiliated outlets

EU: After entry into force, political will now crucial for European Media Freedom Act success - Article

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners today welcome the historic entry into force of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) , which represents a landmark achievement in ongoing efforts to safeguard media pluralism and independence across the European Union. Today, 8 August 2025, marks a new era for media freedom in the EU and comes at a crucial time for the defence of democratic values within the bloc

MFRR Summit - Safeguarding journalism, defending democracy - Reports

This year’s MFRR Summit feeds into EU Democracy Shield policy discussions and highlights journalism as vital democratic infrastructure. Drawing on MFRR’s monitoring, missions, and policy work, the event will explore five key pillars of media resilience: economic viability, safety, legal protection, AI governance, and implementation of safeguards