site.btaSerbian Government Amends Two Media Laws after European Parliament Resolution

The adopted amendments to the Electronic Media Act will ensure "greater accountability to users and stabilization of funding", and the adopted amendments to the Public Information Act will establish "a unified system for monitoring the co-financing of media projects," the Serbian government said in a press release on Thursday.

"The adopted amendments provide better protection for journalists and introduce mechanisms to preserve their professional integrity, thus supporting the freedom and safety of those working in the media. The work of self-regulatory bodies will be improved, contributing to greater accountability of the media and respect for ethical standards," the press release added.

The government's decision comes after the European Parliament (EP) in early May adopted a resolution on the political situation in Serbia following a wave of social discontent. Numerous protests were organized over the tragedy in Novi Sad, where 16 people died after a recently renovated railway station collapsed in 2024.

The resolution confirmed that the students’ demands aligned with EU-expected reforms. The text emphasized the need to ensure the independence of key institutions, including a new Council of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media, and called for full implementation of electoral reforms through a transparent and inclusive process, with sufficient lead time before any future elections.

In the document, the EP expressed "deep concern about the systemic problems highlighted by the student and other protests in Serbia, such as issues related to civil liberties, separation of powers, corruption, environmental protection, institutional and financial transparency, especially regarding infrastructure projects and accountability".

The EP resolution came after a report by Croatian MEP Tonino Picula, rapporteur for Serbia, who strongly criticized the country's government.