AGK's motion against sentences by KPM is approved at the European Federation Congress

In the text of the motion adopted by majority of votes, these sentences are reportedly attempts to limit freedom of expression and debate in Kosovo, and have occurred after the demands and complaints of ruling party members Vetevendosje.

The motion also requires that Vetevendosje be called on to halt attacks on journalists and media, and formally write KPM to ask it not to exceed competencies.

Full text of motion:

For fines imposed by Kosovo media regulator (KPM) on television

Proposed by the Association of Kosovo Journalists ( AGK, Kosovo)

The annual European Journalists' Federation Congress, held in Ankara, Turkey, on June 18th, 2026, expresses concern about the unprecedented pressure that has been exerted over the past two months on key televisions in Kosovo by the country's media regulator, the Independent Media Commission (KPM).

A total of more than 600,000 euros in fines against some media have been declared at six meetings of the KPM Board. These fines are mainly linked to alleged Ethic Code violations during election campaigns for February 2025 general elections, December 2025 and June 2026.

We note that the fines are imposed following politicians' complaints from the ruling party over discussions on their work in television debates, conducted by political analysts and representatives of other political parties. Even more disturbing is the fact that one of the KPM members has called for the complete ban on one of the most popular television debate emissions.

These fines are viewed as a direct threat to freedom of expression and media freedom in Kosovo, with the aim of weakening public debate and limiting media capacity to hold Government responsible for its work. This is an attempt to intimidate journalists who could lead to self-dance. The amount to be paid will create additional burdens on television, which already face financial difficulties.

Also, we express great concern that some of the targeted media broadcast into the languages of non-most communities, and one of them has been threatened with the removal of the license. The KPM's decisions also represent direct intervention in editorial independence and will harm media plurality with which Kosovo boasts.

The annual EFJ Congress also notes the findings of a report published by the Kosovo Institute for Justice (IKD), raise concerns that some of the KPM decisions have been adopted beyond the legal deadlines set for decision making, questioning their legitimacy.

For this reason, the annual EFJ Congress directs the Steering Board to take the following actions:

● calling on the ruling political party, Vetevendosje Movement, to refrain from public campaigns of abuse and denigration against journalists and media acts in Kosovo;

● send a letter to the Independent Media Commission asking for respect of the KPM Law and not exceed its competencies and responsibilities during the review of complaints;

● to call on the Kosovo Assembly Media Commission to hold an emergency meeting with members of the Independent Media Commission to ensure that their decisions do not violate media work and media freedom./ Periscope.