Serbian media regulator members return amid crisis, cite EU pressure

Four independent candidates are set to rejoin Serbia's Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM) Council, ending a prolonged crisis in media regulation. Rodoljub Šabić, one of the returning members, defended their decision against criticism from both the government and parts of the opposition.

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Defeatists have never achieved anything, if we don't succeed in REM, resignation is always a solution.

Šabić explained that their initial resignations late last year were due to the government's failure to address alleged violations in the selection process. Months of inaction followed until external pressure, particularly from the European Union in the context of Serbia's EU integration progress, prompted the government to act. The EU Summit in Tivat highlighted the importance of media regulation for Serbia's advancement.

The government's move involved annulling a previous procedure that favored one candidate and inviting the independent members back. However, Šabić stated they refused to return unless the law was interpreted correctly. The government then adopted an "authentic interpretation" of the Law on Electronic Media, which they claim negates the legal effect of the candidates' resignations.

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At the end of last year, we did resign, and we never withdrew those resignations. Our current government was perfectly uninterested in that.

Šabić asserted that their return is not a capitulation but a strategic move to ensure the REM Council operates legally. He emphasized that if they cannot prevent illegalities within the body, they are prepared to resign again. "Defeatists have never achieved anything," Šabić stated, signaling their commitment to fighting for proper regulation.

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After that, under further pressure from the European Union and the international community, they proceed to adopt this authentic interpretation.