The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners and SafeJournalists Network (SJN) strongly condemn the adoption of legislation in the Republika Srpska entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina which will establish a “special registry” of NGOs, many of which are independent media. Viewed as retaliation against government critics, this law raises concerns about its potential use in labeling independent media and civil society organisations as foreign agents. Our coalition has long opposed the adoption of such legislation in Republika Srpska and now calls for the approved law to be immediately rescinded and for the international community to forcefully oppose the law. On 27 February, Republika Srpska…

The risks that journalists faced covering the war of aggression of Russia against Ukraine remained the most pressing concern related to the safety of journalists in Europe in 2024, according to the annual report of the partner organisations to the Council of Europe’s Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists. The report, entitled “Europe Press Freedom Report 2024: Confronting Political Pressure, Disinformation and the Erosion of Media Independence”, also identifies as serious threats the digital surveillance of journalists and its risks to source confidentiality, the transnational repression of journalists – notably, from Russia and Belarus -,…

By Maja Sever, EFJ President Something remarkable happened at the Voices Festival in Zagreb. Young journalists took over the microphones, cameras, social media, and stage, proving that a new generation is emerging – one that knows what it wants and how to achieve it. They were not just there to cover events; they were creating them, analysing them, raising important issues, and asking the right questions without hesitation. Over the three days of the festival, they filmed, debated, listened, and shared their experiences. Their passion for journalism did not remain just theoretical – they demonstrated what engaged and responsible reporting…

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) join partner organisations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) and the SafeJournalists Network (SJN) in strongly condemning the escalating and systematic attacks on journalists and NGOs in Serbia, where violence, obstruction, and intimidation are being tolerated and perpetrated at the highest levels of government.  In the aftermath of the deadly collapse of the roof of the Novi Sad railway station on 1 November 2024, journalists have come under unacceptable pressure while covering the tragic story and the subsequent protests. The majority of incidents logged on the Mapping Media Freedom platform are instances of…

Voices Festival 2025, held in Zagreb from 27 February to 1 March, was a time for celebration and reflection but also an opportunity to express solidarity with journalists deprived of their freedom in Belarus or forced to live in exile. The film “Under the Gray Sky,” directed by Mara Tamkovich, was screened on 28 February. The movie depicts the story of Belarusian journalists Katsiaryna Andreyeva and Darya Chultsova, who were imprisoned for reporting on protests in Minsk’s Square of Changes in 2020. Following the screening, director Mara Tamkovich met the audience and answered questions about the realities of working in…

European social partners in the audiovisual sector published their Framework of Actions on diversity and inclusion, on 26 February 2025. The document puts forward recommendations for actions by employers’ and workers’ organisations, as well as other relevant stakeholders, such as educational institutions. Recommendations are grouped in four chapters that address: the pathways into the sector; inclusive workplaces and work processes; diversity on screen; and monitoring processes. The list of suggested actions is not exhaustive but a guiding framework to be adapted and adjusted depending on each organisation, its size, its mission, and the territories it operates in. All sector organisations are however invited to take some action…