Western Balkans: The change in ownership of Adria News Network must proceed with full transparency to guaranty editorial independence and journalists’ rights
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and its members from Slovenia (SNS, DNS), Croatia (HND, TUCJ), Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH Journalists), Montenegro (TUMM) and Serbia (NUNS, UNS, Nezavisnost) express serious concern about the current uncertainty facing media outlets operating under the Adria News Network, following the confirmation that an agreement has been reached for the sale of Adria News S.à r.l. to the international investment group Alpac Capital. According to published information, the transaction includes news media operating within the Adria News Network, such as N1, Nova S, Vijesti, Danas, Radar and other media outlets in the region, employing more than 1,000 journalists and media workers and reaching an audience of over 16 million people.
We are aware that any media company may undergo changes in ownership structure and that a change of ownership does not necessarily mean a threat to editorial independence. However, in this case, our concern is not abstract. It arises from the broader political and media context in which independent and professional media in the region have long been under pressure. Civil society organisations have previously warned that this transaction could have serious consequences for media pluralism, editorial independence and the public interest in Serbia and the Western Balkans.
We are particularly concerned by the fact that Alpac Capital is the majority owner of Euronews, whose takeover was the subject of international investigative reporting. In 2024, Hungarian investigative media Direkt36, French newspaper Le Monde and Portuguese weekly magazine Expresso published a report revealing that the acquisition of Euronews SA was partly financed by funds linked to Hungarian state capital and circles close to Viktor Orbán’s government. Following this transaction, substantial redundancy measures were implemented at Euronews, resulting in the departure of more than half of the staff (175 out of 370). Euronews also relocated its headquarters from Lyon to Brussels. At the time, the EFJ and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) supported one of their French members, the French National Union of Journalists (SNJ), in calling for a parliamentary investigation. Additionally, at the EFJ’s annual meeting in Prishtina, Kosovo, a motion was adopted to request guarantees that this takeover was in line with the provisions of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). This was precisely due to concerns about ownership transparency, the true source of funding, and potential influence on editorial policy.
We therefore expect Alpac Capital, United Group, BC Partners and all actors involved to publicly, precisely and bindingly guarantee that the change of ownership will not lead to:
- the suppression of freedom of expression ;
- changes in editorial policy under political or commercial pressure ;
- sanctions or dismissals of editors and journalists defending professional journalism and resisting political obedience ;
- any form of censorship, such as restrictions on investigative journalism, unprofessional demands, or bans on asking questions to government representatives ;
- threats and violations of the labour rights of journalists, editors, camera operators, producers, technical staff and other media workers across the region.
We particularly insist on the preservation of labour rights and trade union freedoms of employees in all media outlets operating within the Adria News Network. Any change of ownership must be carried out with full transparency towards employees, respect for employment contracts, collective rights, the right to union organising, and consultations with employee representatives. Media freedom cannot be protected without protecting the people who produce news in the public interest every day.
According to the statement published today by Adria News Network, the reached agreement reportedly includes mechanisms to protect editorial and functional independence, separate editorial and commercial interests, and preserve an independent advisory body. We welcome any genuine, verifiable and institutionally protected guarantee of editorial independence. However, contractual wording and public promises are not sufficient unless there are clear accountability mechanisms, transparent oversight, and protection of newsrooms from political, ownership and commercial influence. This is precisely the reason why we are calling for these mechanisms to be explained in a public, transparent and concrete way.
Regulatory bodies and competent institutions in the European Union and in the countries of the region must carefully examine this transaction from the perspective of media pluralism, ownership concentration, capital transparency, editorial independence and the protection of labour rights. This sale is not merely a business transaction. It concerns the right of citizens in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia to have access to reliable, independent and professional information.
Our region does not need “neutralised” media. It vitally needs professional, independent, pluralistic and courageous media able to report in the public interest, verify facts, expose any abuse of power and enable citizens to make informed decisions based on facts and not opinion.
Professional journalism does not mean political obedience, false balance or avoiding questions that are uncomfortable for those in power. Professional journalism means accuracy, independence, fact-checking, a clear distinction between facts and opinion, protection of sources, accountability to the public, and the right of journalists to ask questions without pressure to all those who hold political, economic or social power.
We will therefore closely monitor every next step in this process, publicly respond to any attempt at political or ownership pressure on newsrooms, and support journalists and media workers whose professional, labour or trade union rights may be threatened.
Editorial independence, freedom of expression and decent working conditions are not negotiable. They are basic conditions of professional journalism and a democratic society.
Signed by:
- Slovenian Union of Journalists (SNS – Slovenia)
- Slovenian Association of Journalists (DNS – Slovenia)
- Trade Union of Croatian Journalists (TUCJ – Croatia)
- Croatian Journalists Association (HND – Croatia)
- Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS – Serbia)
- Journalists’ Association of Serbia (UNS – Serbia)
- The branch trade union for culture, art and media “Nezavisnost” (Serbia)
- BH Journalists Association (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (TUMM – Montenegro)
- European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
