Progress report again criticised for power attacks on Kosovo media: Disregarded recommendations

The EC warns that there has been no apparent progress in applying last year's recommendations on these issues.

Citing the Kosovo Journalists' Association, The EC says that during 2021 there were 29 cases of attacks, threats and public slander of journalists, while in 2022, by June 27th, five cases of damage to journalists' reputation were reported, mainly by high-level public officials.

“Threats and attacks range from that of businessmen to journalists and other media employees, to those of state or political parties”, the report says.

Meanwhile, recommendations for next year are: improved institutional co-operation and the response of key institutions to attacks against journalists and other forms of pressure hindering their work; reviewing the Law on Radio and Television, among other things, to ensure sustainable financing and preservation of independence.

The EC says that in general, media laws -- including slander and access to information -- are in line with Council of Europe standards and the European Court of Human Rights' judicial practice.