Disputes over access - A Study on Journalists’ Practices and Freedom of Information Policies in the Baltics - Reports

Despite their high rankings in the World Press Freedom Index, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania face notable deficiencies in freedom of information. Supported by RSF, Balticada Investigations Studio conducted a study on the challenges that media professionals face when trying to access public data in the region

Defunding disinformation in the Balkans - How International Brands Support Russia’s Agenda - Reports

Defunding disinformation in the Balkans - How International Brands Support Russia’s Agenda is a report produced by the Balkan Free Media Initiative (BFMI) and the Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA)

European Media Freedom Act will do little to keep up independent journalism in Hungary - Reports

The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) is a legislative initiative which is designed to protect journalistic freedom and pluralism across the EU. However, journalists and other watchdogs have their doubts on the act's ability particularly in countries like Hungary where independent media face systemic challenges. A Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung blog article.

Hungary: Draft Sovereignty Protection Act poses fresh threat to independent media - Article

OBCT joins MFRR partners in drawing the attention of the European Union about the chilling impact of the new Hungarian bill on independent media

Strategy for the development of the Serbian media system (2020-2025) and its implementation: Knowledge, attitudes and proposals of media workers - Reports

Published in 2023 and supported by various media associations, this analysis aims to assess the development of a functional and sustainable media system to bolster democratic processes, ensure media freedoms, and provide citizens with accurate and timely information

Anti-SLAPP campaigners from across Europe stand in solidarity with the Russian dissident authors after an injunction was secured against their publ... - Article

Free expression organisations express their concern regarding the legal harassment of Russian émigrés investigative journalists

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Republika Srpska president Dodik verbally attacks journalist - Article

OBCT joins partner organisations of the MFRR and South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) in condemning Milorad Dodik's verbal attacks and threats against N1 journalist Snezana Mitrović 

Also available in ITA

Netherlands: Vexatious lawsuit against Het Financieele Dagblad condemned - Article

OBCT joins the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) and the Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE) in deploring the lawsuit against Dutch daily newspaper Het Financieele Dagblad (FD) and in expressing solidarity with the FD and its journalists. The case, of which the hearing will take place on 13 November 2023, is a clear attempt to silence and discourage Het Financieele Dagblad and its journalists from further reporting

Open letter: “We refuse to let the anti-SLAPP directive be a missed opportunity” - Article

OBCT joins international organisations in calling for robust anti-SLAPP Directive

Also available in ITA

Turkey: Repeal the "disinformation offence" and overreaching legal amendments - Article

Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partner organisations and Article 19 Europe reiterate their call for the annulment of Article 217/A of the Turkish Penal Code and related legal amendments passed in October 2022 that undermine international standards on the right to freedom of expression and of the press.