**Serbia’s Journalists Under Siege: EU Must Act, Says Reporters Without Borders**
The European Union is being urged to take action as journalists in Serbia face increasing repression and violence. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has spoken out against the Serbian authorities‘ attempts to silence independent media outlets and critics of the government.
According to RSF, the situation for journalists in Serbia has deteriorated significantly since a deadly incident at a train station in Novi Sad on November 1 sparked mass protests. The authorities responded by cracking down on media outlets that dared to criticize them. Journalists have been subjected to physical attacks, threats, and judicial pressure, with some even facing arbitrary surveillance.
The RSF is calling on the European Parliament to ensure that the European Commission takes its responsibilities seriously in light of Serbia’s serious press freedom violations. The organization notes that press freedom is a key condition for Serbia’s EU candidacy, but unfortunately, it seems to be being ignored by European institutions.
**EU Leaders’ Lack of Action Sparks Concern**
RSF has criticized European leaders for their lack of response to the situation. After meeting with Serbian President Vucic, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made a lukewarm comment about the need for “steps” to protect press freedom. Meanwhile, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos only briefly mentioned independent media without addressing the serious violations occurring in Serbia.
This lack of action from EU leaders is a cause for concern, says RSF. The organization believes that it is not enough to simply pay lip service to press freedom when journalists are facing real danger and intimidation. The EU must take concrete steps to protect Serbian journalists and ensure that press freedom is respected.
**A Wake-Up Call for the EU**
The situation in Serbia serves as a wake-up call for the European Union, says RSF. If the EU allows press freedom to be trampled in a candidate country, it undermines the very principles of democracy and human rights that the EU claims to uphold. It’s time for the EU to take action and ensure that Serbian journalists can work without fear of intimidation or reprisal.
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