Picula: I pointed out the pressures on the remaining independent media in Serbia and Montenegro through changes in ownership structures

At the meeting of the European Parliament's Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS), attended by Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, I warned of continued anti-EU propaganda in pro-government media in Serbia and pressure on the remaining independent media in Serbia and Montenegro through changes in ownership structures that may threaten their editorial independence, Tonino Picula, the European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia, announced today.

In a post on the social network X, Picula stated that democracy is not only protected by institutions, but also by truthful information.

"At the meeting of the European Parliament's Special Committee on the European Democratic Shield (EUDS), attended by Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, I warned of continued anti-EU propaganda in pro-government media in Serbia and pressure on the remaining independent media in Serbia and Montenegro through changes in ownership structures that may threaten their editorial independence. Commissioner Kos confirmed that candidate countries are extremely exposed to disinformation. She announced the strengthening of European support through a network of fact-checkers, a new EDMO center for the Western Balkans, stronger protection of media freedoms, the fight against cyber threats and building the resilience of societies, especially among young people," Picula pointed out.

He added that he stressed that it is unacceptable for a candidate country to simultaneously claim that membership in the European Union (EU) is its strategic goal, while tolerating or encouraging anti-European rhetoric.

"European values ​​mean free and fair elections, independent media, strong democratic institutions and the rule of law. This is exactly what we expect from all countries that want to become members of the European Union," Picula said.