Press freedom in Kosovo has deteriorated sharply over the past year, with the country dropping 24 spots to rank 99th out of 180 countries in the latest World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on Thursday.
The decline marks Kosovo’s worst performance in over 15 years and places it at the bottom of the Western Balkans and European Union candidate countries, the Paris-based watchdog said in its annual report, released ahead of World Press Freedom Day on May 3.
The RSF report cited growing political pressure on the media, a contentious new media law, and increased hostility toward journalists as key factors contributing to the drop.
Proposed Media Law, Government Boycotts Draw Criticism
In mid-2024, Kosovo’s parliament passed a law granting the Independent Media Commission (IMC) authority to license and sanction online media outlets, including fines of up to €40,000. The law was met with strong criticism from media and civil society groups who said it threatened media independence. Earlier this week, Kosovo’s Constitutional Court struck down key provisions of the law, ruling them unconstitutional.
The ruling Vetëvendosje party was also accused of boycotting several national broadcasters, including Klan Kosova, TV Dukagjini, and T7. Government officials denied a media boycott, saying they had only cut ties with specific outlets. However, RSF said the move raised concerns about declining media pluralism.
Ahead of the 2024 general election, several private media outlets were denied government access, and public broadcaster RTK came under increased political pressure, RSF said. Minority-language media also reported being denied access to public information.
Journalists Face Threats, Harassment
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK) reported 24 incidents involving threats or attacks against journalists in 2024, down from 53 in 2023. RSF said reporters continue to face harassment, smear campaigns, and accusations of “collaboration with the enemy” – rhetoric used by political and religious groups.
Some journalists were subjected to surveillance, physical attacks, and threats by criminal networks amid heightened political tensions between Kosovo and Serbia. While investigations are launched, prosecutions remain rare, RSF noted.
AGK Warns of Hostile Climate
AGK described Kosovo’s ranking as “alarming” and said it reflects a hostile environment for independent journalism. The organization warned that journalists have become frequent targets of political attacks and Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).
“Although the media have played an essential role in holding politicians accountable, the climate for press freedom is worsening,” AGK said in a statement. “The reform of the IMC law threatens its independence, and online smear campaigns against journalists are on the rise.”
AGK called on institutions and civil society to collaborate on drafting new legislation that supports media freedom and ensures regulatory independence.
Albania Rises in Index; Regional Comparison
While Kosovo saw the sharpest decline in the region, neighboring Albania improved its position by 19 spots, ranking 80th. However, RSF warned that press freedom in Albania remains under threat due to ties between media owners and political elites, particularly in the construction sector.
Elsewhere in the Balkans:
Montenegro ranks 37th
North Macedonia 42nd
Bosnia and Herzegovina 86th
Serbia 96th
Kosovo 99th
Media Sector Faces Broader Crisis
RSF said a broader crisis is affecting journalism across Europe and Central Asia, exacerbated by funding cuts, political interference, and disinformation campaigns. The report cited the suspension of U.S. aid to outlets like Radio Free Europe and USAID during Donald Trump’s administration as contributing factors.
“These cuts have weakened an already fragile media sector, particularly in countries facing corruption, authoritarianism, and political conflict,” the report said.
