N1 remarks on media situation in Serbia reflected in EC 2019 report

In its report, the EU Commission finds no significant progress has been made with regards to freedom of expression, that the overall environment is still not conducive to the exercise of this right and that this is now becoming a matter of “serious concern”.

With specific regard to the intimidation of media, the Commission finds that political, economic, and other forms of pressures on journalists have increased and that measures should be taken to identify and prosecute those using social media to intimidate and threaten journalists.

Finally, the Commission finds that political and economic influence over the media continues to be a source of concern due to the lack of transparency in ownership structures, financing from state resources, distribution of advertising funds and the disproportional use of tax inspection.

N1 letter to international institutions read here

Full EC report read here