Publications

Declining media freedom is pushing the Balkans away from European democratic values and into authoritarianism.

Where once the region looked set for ever greater EU integration, its future now looks less certain. 

BFMI conducts in-depth research into topical media freedom issues affecting the region, with a focus on often overlooked structural issues around ownership, regulation and funding of the media that threaten democracy and stability in the Balkans.  

We work with local organisations and experts to harness their efforts and bring greater international attention to the problems facing free media in the region. 

Our publications inform and guide policymakers in the Balkans and beyond.

  • Published in December 2023 in partnership with the Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA) - READ OUR REPORT HERE.

  • Read the findings from our February 2023. Roundtable of experts HERE.

  • Published in iMarch 2022 – READ OUR REPORT HERE.

  • Our first report, published in October 2021 – READ OUR REPORT HERE.

  • Report 4 – upcoming Summer 2024.

Latest publications

Defunding Disinformation in the Balkans: How International Brands Support Russia’s Agenda 

“64% of all advertising spending in Serbia comes from international companies. Over half of this funding is going to outlets that promote pro-Kremlin disinformation, hate speech and government propaganda.”

Social Media and the Information War in the Balkans 

“Pro-government, pro-Russian and pro-Serbian disinformation is spreading much faster than independent fact-checkers in the region can document. This is stoking division and is reflected in anti-European and NATO sentiment, leading to growing security concerns for the region.” 

Can free media help prevent a Kosovo-Serbia crisis? 

“Fact-checking alone is not an adequate countermeasure, as it is only a reactive measure with limited reach. The root of the issue lies in the political framing of the narrative and the state of media freedom in the Balkans.” 

Social Media and the Information War in the Balkans 

“Russia’s popularity in the region can be explained by its positive depiction pro-Serbian media in Bosnia and Serbia media...  which have successfully swayed public opinion with polls revealing that Russia is viewed more favourably than the EU and the US.”