Press freedom in Kosovo in decline, warn European organizations

A report published on July 20 by the Council of Europe Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists finds that media freedom in Kosovo is deteriorating significantly as a result of political interference, public insults against journalists, and the undermining of the independence of media institutions.

The document was prepared following an official visit to Pristina from March 24 to 26, with participation from representatives of eight international bodies defending press freedom, including Reporters Without Borders, the International Press Institute, the European Federation of Journalists, the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, and the European Broadcasting Union, with the support of the Association of Journalists of Kosovo.

During their stay, delegates met with acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, journalists, editors, as well as representatives of RTK, the Independent Media Commission, the judicial system, civil society, and the diplomatic corps.

Although it is acknowledged that Kosovo still enjoys a diverse media landscape, a relatively low rate of physical violence against journalists, and a legal framework that essentially complies with European standards, the report emphasizes that these achievements have been overshadowed by an increasingly hostile media environment.

Among the main reasons cited for this assessment are: the law on the Independent Media Commission, which was declared unconstitutional after its adoption; financial difficulties and challenges to the independence of Radio Television of Kosovo; and the increase in verbal attacks and campaigns to discredit journalists, especially by officials of the ruling party.

These trends have also affected the country’s international standing. In the 2026 World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders, Kosovo ranks 84th out of 180 countries, a drop of 28 places compared to 2023.

According to the organizations, this has damaged Kosovo’s image as one of the most progressive countries in the region in terms of media freedom. They call on the next government to restore trust in democratic institutions and reforms.

Radio Free Europe has requested a response from the Prime Minister’s Office, but has not yet received a reply.

A key part of the report focuses on the safety of journalists. Although physical violence has decreased compared to 2023, journalists increasingly face verbal threats, smear campaigns, and harassment in the digital space, often fueled by senior political figures.

In 2025 alone, the Association of Journalists of Kosovo documented 69 incidents affecting journalists and media, including cases of public insults, discrediting, and cyberattacks.

The report highlights that many of these episodes are linked to the statements or actions of public officials and politicians.

The delegation also expressed concern about the language used towards journalists, drawing attention to situations where Prime Minister Kurti has openly criticized media or journalists.

The organizations have urged him and his party to refrain from disparaging expressions and to lead by example for a more civilized public dialogue.

According to the findings, during the meeting with the delegation, Kurti did not acknowledge the concerns about journalists’ safety as serious, although his office later stated in writing that he neither supports nor tolerates verbal attacks and that he has not used offensive language.

The report also raises concern about the public broadcaster RTK, where funding shortages, legal uncertainty, and allegations of political pressure have created an environment that threatens editorial independence.

The delegation cites testimony from journalists about dismissals from programs, disciplinary measures, and show cancellations, while RTK’s management has denied these claims.

A separate section is devoted to the Independent Media Commission. The report recalls that the law on the IMC, voted by the Assembly in 2024, was struck down by the Constitutional Court on the grounds that it undermined the body’s independence.

Furthermore, the organizations express concern that the subsequent selection process for new IMC members and the RTK board was carried out through rushed and non-transparent procedures, raising suspicions of political influence.

The report also notes the low level of transparency of public institutions. Journalists reported that obtaining official documents remains difficult, press conferences are rare, and contact with officials is limited.

Likewise, there has been a significant increase in the number of complaints regarding the denial of access to public documents in recent years.

Nonetheless, the report acknowledges some steps forward. Cooperation with the courts is valued, where cases involving journalists are being handled more swiftly. The adoption of the Kosovo Judicial Council Strategy 2026-2028, which prioritizes issues of journalist safety and defamation, is considered a positive development.