Kosovo is currently facing a significant downturn in press freedom, highlighted by its drastic fall to 99th place in the 2025 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Index. This ranking is its lowest in over 15 years and serves as a stark illustration of the challenges facing democracy, accountability, and fundamental rights in the country. The decline reflects a systematic and troubling trend – marking the second consecutive year of regression from 56th place in 2023 to 75th in 2024.
The reasons behind this downturn are multifaceted, with political interference, regulatory manipulation, legal harassment, and threats to journalists’ safety being cited as major issues. Many of these problems are systemic, as editorial freedom is often compromised by media owners with significant political or business ties, resulting in outlets that serve particular interests rather than providing oversight or accountability. Additionally, the media’s financial vulnerability, relying on advertising revenues often linked to political patronage, exacerbates these challenges.
The public broadcaster RTK is an example of politicization within media institutions. The appointment of its director, a former member of the ruling Vetëvendosje party, has undermined trust in its independence and neutrality. Moreover, hostile conditions threaten investigative journalism, with reporters facing harassment and attacks. A notable incident occurred in December 2024, when journalists from Kallxo.com were attacked by masked assailants in north Mitrovica—a crime for which accountability remains lacking, further emboldening perpetrators.
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) have also been weaponized against journalists, intended to intimidate and deplete their resources. This trend creates a climate of fear that discourages media scrutiny of power buildings. The collapse of regulatory independence is another critical issue, primarily with the weakening of the once-autonomous Independent Media Commission (IMC). Its failure to maintain fair standards during the recent general election, coupled with government boycotts of private outlets like Klan Kosova, only underscores a pattern of systematic repression.
The government’s rhetoric exacerbates these issues, with journalists often vilified, accused of undermining the state, and targeted through smear campaigns online. Such hostility towards the press has been normalized, weakening public support for journalism as a cornerstone of democracy. Instead of working towards transparency and safeguarding journalistic integrity, the government appears to be fostering a culture of opacity and persecution.
This concerning situation poses significant risks to the state of freedom, human rights, and democracy in Kosovo, demanding urgent corrective measures from both national and international actors. Read more about this situation from the original report.