RSF Official Urges European Commission to Speak Out on Serbia's Media Situation

Brussels – A senior representative of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called on the European Commission to take a more assertive stance regarding the concerning media environment in Serbia. Julie Majerczak, RSF's representative to the European Institutions, expressed that the Commission needs to be louder and more decisive in its engagement with the Serbian media scene.

Majerczak voiced significant apprehension about the current state of media freedom in Serbia, citing numerous instances of police aggression towards journalists during protests. She warned of the potential for more dramatic and serious incidents if the situation is not addressed promptly. RSF has been consistently briefing the European Commission on these developments, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

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the European Commission should be louder and more determined in terms of the Serbian media scene.

According to Majerczak, the European Commission has appeared indecisive in its dealings with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić thus far. However, she noted a growing realization within the Commission that it may be time to 'say enough' and potentially curtail some financial aid to Belgrade. RSF remains committed to continuously alerting the Commission to the ongoing challenges faced by media professionals in Serbia.

This appeal from RSF underscores the international community's growing concern over democratic backsliding and press freedom issues in the Western Balkans. While the article does not delve into the specific editorial stance of the Serbian media outlets themselves, the call for external pressure from the European Commission suggests a perceived lack of domestic avenues for addressing these critical issues effectively.

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the Commission has been indecisive in facing Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to date but added that the Commission is realizing that it’s probably time to say enough and maybe stop some of its financing to Belgrade.