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

Joint Statement on the Draft Penal Code and Its Implications for Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression in Albania - Article

OBCT joins the SafeJournalists Network, partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), and civil society organizations in Albania in expressing concern regarding the proposed amendments to the Penal Code which risk posing direct threats to media freedom, the safety of journalists, and the fundamental right to freedom of expression

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

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

Submissions Open for the 2025 Luchetta Award - Reports

The Luchetta Foundation has launched the 22nd Premio Luchetta, honoring Marco Luchetta, Alessandro Saša Ota, and Dario D’Angelo. Submissions are due by Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Blueprint for protection of democracy from information threats - Reports

Disinformation in the Western Balkans threatens democracy. A whole-of-society, coordinated approach—covering institutions, media, civil society, and regulation—is essential to strengthen resilience, protect elections, and ensure informed citizenry.

Serbia: Spyware attacks on BIRN journalists further deepen press freedom crisis - Article

Further alarm about the deepening press freedom crisis: revelations showing evidence of the abuse of advanced Pegasus spyware

Open Letter: Surveillance warrants targeting journalists are dangerous for democracy - Article

OBCT, alongside free expression organizations, Romanian journalists and media outlets, condemns the surveillance of journalists by Romanian prosecutors as a violation of press freedom 

Originally published in Romanian and English by ActiveWatch and the Center for independent Journalism

SafeJournalists Network and Media Freedom Rapid Response: TikTok ban in Albania threatens freedom of expression ahead of general elections - Article

SafeJournalists Network (SJN), the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners, and civil society organizations express serious concern regarding the Albanian Council of Ministers' decision to suspend nationwide access to the TikTok platform for 12 months