Press Freedom Challenges in Central and Eastern Europe

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has launched its first Central European bureau in Prague, aimed at addressing the pressing issues of press freedom and the right to information in the region. The bureau's responsibilities include documenting violations against journalists, advocating for systemic solutions, and promoting ethical journalism. This initiative comes at a time when press freedom is increasingly under threat in Central and Eastern Europe, with notable cases such as the murder of journalist Jan Kuciak in Slovakia and ongoing challenges in Hungary, Poland, and Serbia.

Reporter Without BordersCall on President von der Leyen to address media freedom crisis in the Western BalkansHuman Rights WatchHong Kong Free Press

The 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index highlights the precarious state of media freedom across the region. Hungary ranks 68th, facing criticism for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government, which has been accused of undermining media independence through regulatory measures and state advertising boycotts. In Poland, the independence of public media is at risk, while Serbia has seen a dramatic increase in violence against journalists, with 82 reported physical attacks in 2025 alone. The situation is exacerbated by the recent closure of Al Jazeera Balkans and the rise of Kremlin-backed media outlets in the region.

Call on President von der Leyen to address media freedom crisis in the Western BalkansReporter Without BordersHistory of undeserved praise for VucicHuman Rights Watch

In response to the deteriorating media landscape, a coalition of organizations has urged European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to address these issues during her visit to the Western Balkans. They emphasize the need for the EU to take a firm stance against the suppression of independent journalism, particularly in Serbia, where the government has faced accusations of political interference and violence against the press. The coalition argues that the EU's credibility is at stake, as failure to act could embolden other member states to disregard democratic principles.

Call on President von der Leyen to address media freedom crisis in the Western Balkans

Critics argue that the EU has been slow to respond to Hungary's erosion of democratic norms. The Article 7 procedure, which could lead to sanctions against Hungary, has been stalled due to the requirement for unanimity among member states. This has allowed Orbán to exploit the EU's bureaucratic processes while continuing to consolidate power. Human Rights Watch has called for immediate action, stating that Hungary's government is systematically dismantling the rule of law under the guise of national sovereignty.

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Pavol Szalai, the director of the RSF Prague bureau, emphasized the importance of supporting threatened journalists and combating impunity for crimes against reporters. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has urged EU member states to vote on Hungary's compliance with rule-of-law standards, highlighting the need for concrete actions to protect media freedom. The European Parliament has also called for the release of detained journalists, including Swedish publisher Gui Minhai, who has been imprisoned in China for ten years.

Reporter Without Borders

The upcoming EU hearing on Hungary's rule-of-law compliance on October 21, 2025, will be crucial in determining the future of press freedom in the region. The outcome may set a precedent for how the EU addresses similar issues in other member states. As the situation evolves, the RSF Prague bureau and other organizations will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists and the promotion of independent media across Central and Eastern Europe.

EU to weigh Article 7 action on Hungary amid renewed rule-of-law concerns