Media Freedom organisations call for action as press freedom violations surge in Turkey in 2025 - Article

The undersigned press freedom, freedom of expression, human rights, and journalists’ organisations, and media outlets, express serious concern over the recent escalation of press freedom violations in Turkey, marking a troubling start to the new year. The frequent use of arbitrary arrests, detentions, judicial control measures, and convictions poses an existential threat to independent media, democratic discourse, and fundamental human rights in the country

Trentino, journalism and gag lawsuits (2) - Article

Media outlets in Trentino are targeted by mayors, entrepreneurs and even magistrates; however, tracking this form of legal harassment remains challenging. Second part of an investigation into the phenomenon of SLAPPs in Trentino

By Paola Rosà

(Read the first part of the investigation)

Fist published by OBCT, also available in ITA

The EU’s Anti-SLAPP Directive: A Partial Victory for Rule of Law Advocacy in Europe - Reports

A critical overview of the Directive encompassing its background, development, impacts and shortcomings, highlighting that, although it does constitute a milestone in legal mobilisation, more robust legal frameworks are required on the national level for proper protection against SLAPPs

"A digital prison": surveillance and the supression of civil society in Serbia - Reports

The report exposes the systemic use of surveillance technologies by the Serbian government to keep civil society activities under control and intimidate journalists and dissenters

Self-defence against SLAPPs in Serbia - Article

In Serbia, the investigative newspaper KRIK is the target of frequent legal harassment. To counteract it, the editorial team has developed strategies based on civil society solidarity, public denunciation and monitoring of trials

By Massimo Moratti

Originally published by OBCT. Also available in ITA.

ELI-Mount Scopus European Standards of Judicial Independence - Reports

The ELI-Mount Scopus European Standards on Judicial Independence provide 38 guidelines to safeguard judicial independence, ensure impartial courts, and uphold democracy and the rule of law

Albania, media trapped in a triangle of pressure - Article

Journalists across Europe are often subjected to subtle forms of pressure and intimidation, including vexatious lawsuits frequently initiated by influential politicians or businesspeople. Blerjana Bino, Executive Director of SCiDEV and Researcher at the SafeJournalists Network, provides insight into the situation in the country

By Serena Epis

Originally published by OBCT. Also available in ITA

Serbian journalism, stronger EU support is needed - Article

Amid a systematic erosion of editorial independence by the government, stronger international support is needed to uphold media freedom in the country. An interview with Igor Božić, news director of the independent N1 TV

By Serena Epis and Sava Mirković

Originally published by OBCT. Also available in ITA

Addressing Key Challenges to Media Freedom in Albania and Serbia - Article

To contribute to the European Commission’s Rule of Law monitoring, OBCT, in partnership with SCiDEV and IJAS, produced two Shadow Reports outlining the challenges and gaps in media freedom in Albania and Serbia. The main findings were presented during a webinar

By Serena Epis, Sukanya Sengupta

Originally published by OBCT. Also available in ITA

Media Capture Monitoring Report: Romania - Measuring compliance with the European Media Freedom Act - Reports

The International Press Institute (IPI) and the Media and Journalism Research Center (MJRC) have recently published a timely analysis assessing the state of media capture in Romania