Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU, Dodik is working against the integration process - Article

Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik once again attacks the EU, accusing it of applying double standards to Bosnia and Herzegovina on the integration path. But Dodik's own initiatives, which limit freedom of association and expression, are distancing the country from the European Union

By Massimo Moratti

Originally published by OBCT. Also available in ITA 

Serbia 2023 Report - Reports

Each year the European Commission monitors the progress of candidate countries in their reform process aimed at the EU accession. As part of the annual progress report, the EC assesses the developments in relation to freedom of expression and media pluralism and independence

Dismay at the abrupt closure of investigation into smear campaign against Emilia Șercan - Article

OBCT joins media freedom groups in expressing deep disappointment at the decision of Romania’s Prosecutor Office at the Bucharest Court of Appeal to close the investigation into the smear campaign against the Romanian journalist

Also available in ITA

Turkey: International groups condemn arrest of journalist Tolga Şardan - Article

We call upon the authorities to immediately release Tolga Şardan

Also available in ITA

End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists - Article

On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, OBCT joins MFRR partners in remembering those European reporters whose families still await justice for their murders

Also available in ITA

SLAPP ー Mechanism for silencing the public: Analysis of Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation in Serbia, BiH and Montenegro - Reports

This analysis, realized by the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina, sheds light on the nature and impacts of SLAPP cases against media outlets, journalists, and NGO activists in the three Balkan countries

Media Pluralism Monitor 2023 - Reports

The report analyses the risks and gives recommendations regarding media pluralism in the 27 Member States of the EU and in 5 candidate countries for 2022

Towards a European society equipped to respond to SLAPPs - HTML5 video

The anti-SLAPP proposed directive and the anti-SLAPP Recommendations adopted by the EC in April 2022 signal an increased awareness of the need for effective policy and practical tools to counter vexatious lawsuits against public participation. By exploring existing challenges and viable approaches to counter gag lawsuits, the panel tries to identify effective models to strengthen resilience and foster cooperation among relevant actors, such as journalists, activists and legal practitioners.

Ensuring the safety of journalists: the role of law enforcement authorities - HTML5 video

In 2021 the European Commission adopted its Recommendations on the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists calling on Member states to ensure safe working conditions for journalists and media workers. Yet, threats and attacks against journalists remain an issue of concern in many EU member states as well as in candidate countries. The panel investigates the relationship between journalism and law enforcement authorities: on the one hand it will explore the potential for a constructive collaboration, while on the other it will discuss the potential threat that law enforcement authorities may represent when they act in a context of fragile rule of law.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Media freedom in survival mode - Article

Following a press freedom mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 22-25 October 2023, the partner organisations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) warn that media freedom in the country is in decline against a backdrop of new restrictive laws, hostile rhetoric and denigration of journalists by public officials, and ongoing systemic challenges to the independence of public service media