Statements
Three Years of Advocacy with the Balkan Free Media Initiative.
On this day three years ago, myself and leading media experts launched the Balkan Free Media Initiative (BFMI), driven by a shared commitment to advancing media integrity in a critical region of Europe: the Balkans.
Shadows of democracy - The erosion of media freedom in Greece
As Greece celebrates today its National Independence Day, a symbol of triumph for democracy and freedom, BFMI spotlights the paradox that shadows this historic democracy: the erosion of media freedom.
BFMI celebrates adoption of European Media Freedom Act; warns that accession countries must not be left behind
BFMI celebrates adoption of European Media Freedom Act but warns that accession countries must not be left behind.
BFMI at the Italian Parliament: The disinformation economy is a threat to EU democracy and stability
BFMI at the Italian Parliament: The disinformation economy is a threat to EU democracy and stability
BFMI supports the European Parliament’s call to suspend EU funding to Serbia if the government fails to implement key electoral and media reforms
BFMI supports the European Parliament’s call to suspend EU funding to Serbia if the government fails to implement key electoral and media reforms
Global Brands Unwittingly Fund Pro-Kremlin Disinformation in the Balkans, New Study Shows
New report: Defunding Disinformation in the Balkans: How International Brands Support Russia’s Agenda
BFMI concerned about draft law in Hungary
BFMI joins media freedom groups in raising concerns about new draft law in Hungary
BFMI: Serbia’s draft media law falls far below EU standards and fails to protect independent media in the region
BFMI is profoundly concerned over the drafts of two critical laws for the national media environment that have been presented for consultation by the Serbian government. The draft laws represent a step back in media reform and showcase President Vucic’s disregard for EU values.
BFMI at the European Parliament: Global brands contributing to the spread of pro-Kremlin disinformation in the Balkans
BFMI hosted an event at the European Parliament on how global brands are funding media that spread disinformation in the Balkans.
BFMI Welcomes European Parliament’s Anti-SLAPP Legislation; Stresses Need for Balkan Focus
BFMI welcomes the EU Parliament's endorsement of legislation to protect journalists and activists from SLAPPs, but highlights the need for further action in the Balkans. BFMI also calls on the European Council to adopt robust and effective legislation.
How will the EU make the foreign financing of media transparent?
Momchil Injov, EU Correspondent for Bulgaria’s Club Z, writes about the media freedom concerns of the EU ‘defense of democracy package.’
Handelsbatt: ‘Vucic is a master of propaganda’ - BFMI
BFMI Director Antoinette Nikolova has been quoted in an article published by German news outlet Handelsblatt on the influence of foreign powers – particularly Russia – in Serbia.
BFMI marks two years
BFMI was created two years ago today to monitor developments across the Balkans and inform political audiences about threats to democracy due to the declining information environment
STATEMENT: 2022 European Parliament Report on Serbia outlines crisis facing independent journalism and media freedom
In a signed statement, BFMI, IPI and NUNS note with deepening concern the declining climate of media freedom highlighted in the latest European Parliament report on Serbia.
BFMI: Give teeth to the European Media Freedom Act!
In an opinion piece published by Euractiv, BFMI Director Antoinette Nikolova highlights several shortcomings of the upcoming European Media Freedom Act, including the non-binding nature of key provisions on editorial independence, ownership transparency and state advertisement.
Democracy that delivers: Strategic re-engagement with the Western Balkans Roundtable
BFMI participated in a policy roundtable titled “Democracy that delivers: Strategic re-engagement with the Western Balkans,” hosted by the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) in partnership with EURACTIV Bulgaria.
BFMI ROUNDTABLE: Can free media help prevent a Kosovo-Serbia crisis?
The declining media environment in the Balkans plays a key role in rising tensions between ethnic Serbs and the ethnic Albanian-led government in Kosovo, which is now having a serious impact on the security situation.
BFMI hosted an online roundtable of experts on the role of free media in the Kosovo-Serbia crisis.