Serbia warns EU over journalist safety concerns

The European Commission’s sixth EU Rule of Law Report has expressed growing concern regarding the safety of journalists in Serbia, alongside issues related to editorial autonomy and pluralism within public service media. The report details violence against media professionals, but does not specifically address the role of police, President Aleksandar Vučić, and his supporters in these incidents, particularly since protests began on November 1, 2024.

Recent Attacks on Journalists

At least two journalists were physically assaulted by Serbian police in the week leading up to the report’s publication on July 8. Freelance cameraman and photographer Aleksa Stankovic was reportedly beaten by law enforcement officers inside a van in Belgrade on July 1. The following day, journalist Vuk Cvijic of the weekly Radar was also assaulted by police in the Serbian capital.

Since the end of February, RSF has documented at least 28 attacks against media professionals, attributed to either President Vučić’s supporters or the police. RSF previously reported 14 such attacks by April 2025. This period has seen an increase in violence, alongside other restrictions including threats against journalists, attempts at espionage, and political pressure on independent media.

Serbia and Press Freedom

Serbia has been an official candidate for EU membership since 2012. According to RSF’s 2025 World Press Freedom Index, Serbia ranks 96th out of 180 countries, placing it seven positions behind Greece, which is the lowest-ranked EU country on the index.