Srzetnić supported the decision of the EU to suspend the distribution of the Russian media Russia Today and Sputnik

The Minister of Public Administration, Digital Society and Media, Tamara Srzentić, said that she strongly supports the decision of the European Union to suspend the distribution of Russian media Russia Today and Sputnik.

She pointed out that we must not allow disinformation and propaganda to spread in Montenegro, which tries to justify the attack on Ukraine.

The Ministry clarified that in the announcement of the European Commission, which was issued on the occasion of the decision to ban work for Russia Today and Spyutnik, states that these media are instruments in encouraging and supporting Russian aggression against Ukraine, which, as it says, "represents a significant and direct threat to public order and security of the European Union (EU)".

"We consulted with the regulatory authorities and informed them about the decision of the European Union. In this regard, at today's session of the Government, I will propose the adoption of the Conclusion on the accession of Montenegro to this EU decision and recommendations to the Agency for Electronic Media (AEM) and the Agency for Electronic Media and Postal Services (EKIP) to, in accordance with their competences, make decisions in accordance with position of the Government and Council of the EU", said Srzentić.

As Srzentić states, the problem of spreading disinformation and propaganda is also recognized within the Media Strategy of Montenegro. This strategic document, which will soon be presented at the public hearing, foresees concrete measures to combat the spread of disinformation and media propaganda.

As announced by the Government, Montenegro will follow the EU measures towards Russia, and therefore the measures related to stopping the spread of disinformation and propaganda through media that are known for spreading fake news. She added that we will continue to harmonize our normative and institutional practice with the decisions of the European Union.

The Council of the Agency for Electronic Media has the authority to interrupt the broadcasting of cable TV channels, and the Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services to block internet domains, in accordance with procedures.

"The announcement of the European Commission states that all relevant licenses, authorizations and agreements on distribution have been suspended, and the measures cover all EU member states and are directly applied," the Ministry announced.