Croatia's media freedom in a stranglehold – A struggle with politics and the judiciary
Croatia, a member of the European Union since 2013, finds itself in a sobering 48th place in Reporters Without Borders' current Press Freedom Index. While this position is considered "satisfactory," the reality on the ground is far more precarious: Although a diverse media landscape exists, journalists operate under intense pressure, intimidation, and systematic attacks – a climate that severely hinders their work.
A deceptive EU status
The paradox of EU membership is clearly visible in Croatia. While the country sought to meet international standards before joining, a regression seems to have set in after its accession. "Anyone who is part of this family can do what they want," says Oliver Vujovic, Secretary General of the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), pointing to the lack of EU mechanisms for sanctioning violations of media rights.
SLAPP lawsuits as a systematic means of exerting pressure
A key problem is so-called SLAPP lawsuits (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation), which deliberately aim to intimidate through excessive financial burdens. With 0.82 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, Croatia ranks fourth in Europe. In 2021 alone, 924 legal proceedings against journalists and media outlets were recorded – an alarming figure that puts massive pressure on critical voices.
Intimidation from politics, church and society
The threat doesn't just come from legal proceedings. Politicians publicly attack journalists when they don't like their reporting. Influential businesspeople, veterans of the Yugoslav Wars, conservative church groups, and opponents of the LGBTIQ community also contribute to the threat level. Threats, graffiti, or even physical assaults create a climate of constant fear.
Political control over public broadcasting
A particularly sensitive issue is the appointment of leading positions at the public broadcaster HRT: The Director General is elected by Parliament, as are nine of the eleven members of the Program Council. Political influence is thus systematically entrenched. As a result, over 70 journalists at Croatian Radio have been reassigned due to critical reporting. Even established presenters have lost their platforms.
Declining trust in media
These developments are reflected in public trust: According to a 2021 study, only about 25% of Croatians trust the media. Among young people, this figure is sometimes below 10%. A growing skepticism towards Austria is also noticeable – fueled by political narratives that sow distrust instead of promoting European unity.
A democracy on shaky ground
The daily struggle for independent journalism in Croatia demonstrates how fragile media freedom can be, even in an EU member state. Political influence, the structural weakening of independent newsrooms, and widespread legal intimidation undermine journalism's role as the fourth estate. This situation seriously challenges the European ideal of freedom of expression.