Support to Improved Media Environment in Serbia
This project strengthens independent and pluralistic media in Serbia. It supports media associations in improving laws and policies in line with European standards for media freedom and professional journalism. The project also enables public-interest media to provide accurate and factbased reporting at national and local level, strengthens cooperation among media actors, and helps citizens access reliable information for informed democratic participation.
| Land/Region | Thema | Periode | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Serbien |
Gouvernanz nothemedefined
Medien & Informationsfreiheit
Politik des öffentlichen Sektors Menschenrechte (inkl. Frauenrechte) |
01.12.2024
- 30.04.2030 |
CHF 2’250’000
|
- Andere internationale oder ausländische NGO Norden
- Ausländischer Privatsektor Norden
- Implementing partner: Balkan Trust for Democracy (part of the German Marshall Fund) Co-donor: Royal Norwegian Embassy (RNE)
-
Sektor nach Kategorisierung des Entwicklungshilfeekomitees der OECD REGIERUNG UND ZIVILGESELLSCHAFT
REGIERUNG UND ZIVILGESELLSCHAFT
REGIERUNG UND ZIVILGESELLSCHAFT
Sub-Sektor nach Kategorisierung des Entwicklungshilfeekomitees der OECD Medien und freier Informationsfluss
Politik und Verwaltung im öffentlichen Sektor
Menschenrechte
Querschnittsthemen Projekt unterstützt auch Verbesserungen in der Partnerorganisation
Unterstützungsform Auftrag mit treuhänderischer Mittelverwaltung
Projekt- und Programmbeitrag
Projektnummer 7F10158
| Hintergrund | Media freedom in Serbia is facing its most difficult period in recent history, marked by democratic backsliding, regulatory paralysis and mounting political pressure. In this increasingly polarized environment, journalists and civil society actors critical of authorities are often facing threats, intimidation and physical violence, as civic space is shrinking. Independent media and journalists are exposed to smear campaigns, SLAPP suits and safety risks. Furthermore, there are reported cases of targeted use of spyware against activists and media workers. Serbia’s media market faces structural weaknesses that threaten pluralism and sustainability of media. The national Media Strategy expired in 2025, and a new 2026–30 strategy with related legal amendments is in preparation. These reforms aim to align Serbia’s legal framework with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). |
| Ziele | A more pluralistic and accountable media environment in Serbia that allows access to reliable public interest information and supports informed and active citizen participation in democratic processes. |
| Zielgruppen | The project supports media associations and civil society organizations active in the media sphere, as well as independent media outlets at the national and local level, including investigative and analytical media. Ultimate beneficiaries of the project are Serbian citizens, particularly those with limited access to reliable and independent information. |
| Mittelfristige Wirkungen |
• Outcome 1: Policy and regulatory framework for media is strengthened and aligned with international standards through sustained contribution by media actors • Outcome 2: Independent public-interest media content reaches wider audiences, contributing to better-informed and more engaged citizens at national and local levels • Outcome 3: Increased resilience, coordination, and professional capacity of media actors |
| Resultate |
Erwartete Resultate: • Supported media actors consistently monitor, analyze, and provide evidence to policy and regulatory processes to strengthen media freedom and align with international standards • Increased or sustained production of independent, public-interest media content that reaches and informs citizens through investigative and analytical reporting and • Increased or sustained production of independent, public-interest media content by smaller media outlets on the national, regional and local level • Media actors participate in knowledge-sharing and networking activities to enhance professional and advocacy capacities. Resultate von früheren Phasen: The pilot project of the entry phase (July 2024-Dec 2025) provided 19 grants: seven to media associations for policy advocacy, five to investigative outlets, four for media literacy. This resulted in 27 policy recommendations across 10 advocacy areas, including preventing harmful amendments to the Law on Media. The pilot project strengthened sustained involvement and collective influence of independent media and media civic actors in legislative reforms and public oversight related to the media sphere. Supported actors reinforced legal safeguards, public awareness and accountability through coordinated advocacy, legal analysis and sustained public engagement. |
| Verantwortliche Direktion/Bundesamt |
DEZA |
| Projektpartner |
Vertragspartner Internationale oder ausländische NGO Privatsektor |
| Koordination mit anderen Projekten und Akteuren | The project will seek synergies with the SDC projects For an Active Civil Society Together (ACT), as well as with future interventions: Building democratic Resilience and promoting Inclusive Dialogue (BRIDGE) and Transparency and Accountability for Serbia’s key Reforms (TASK). The project will be implemented in close coordination with the OSCE mission in Serbia, as well as with the media related projects of the EU and other donors. |
| Budget | Laufende Phase Schweizer Beitrag CHF 2’250’000 Bereits ausgegebenes Schweizer Budget CHF 746’761 Projekttotal seit Anfangsphase Schweizer Beitrag CHF 400’000 Budget inklusive Projektpartner CHF 3’700’000 |
| Projektphasen | Phase 1 01.12.2024 - 30.04.2030 (Laufende Phase) |
