EU concerned over Serbia-Montenegro journalist entry bans

The European Union has voiced concern over the tit-for-tat entry bans imposed on journalists by Serbia and Montenegro. The bloc urged both nations to refrain from actions that could undermine media freedom and the freedom of movement, deeming such retaliatory restrictions incompatible with European values.

Unnamed European Commission sources cited by Radio Free Europe stated that the reciprocal bans are unacceptable. They called on the governments in Belgrade and Podgorica to resolve the dispute through dialogue rather than escalating restrictive measures.

The situation escalated when the Montenegrin government banned Dragan J. Vučićević, the owner of the pro-regime Informer tabloid, accusing him of spreading hate speech and intolerance towards Montenegro. In response, Serbia imposed bans on several Montenegrin journalists.

Media freedom organizations have also condemned the bans, warning that they obstruct journalists' work and set a detrimental precedent for press freedom in the Western Balkans. The EU's statement emphasizes the need for dialogue to de-escalate the situation and uphold fundamental freedoms.