 |
| Building of Public Radio and Television of Montenegro, Podgorica, May, 2021 |
The European Commission has expressed concerns about the changes to the law on Radio Television of Montenegro proposed by the government a few days ago. Brussels pointed out that the government's proposal was approved without consulting the public and the European Commission. The government's proposal must be approved by the country's parliament, VOA reports.
The EU emphasized that Montenegro should avoid any decision that could threaten the independence of Radio Television of Montenegro, starting with its budget.
"The European Commission notes with concern the proposal of the Montenegro government, approved without consultation with the public or the Commission, to amend the law on the national public broadcaster, which may bring insecurity to budgetary allocations for RTMZ," said the European Commission's office.
The Commission stresses that pluralism and media independence are the pillars of a democratic society and must be supported.
"To continue the accession process to the EU, Montenegro must ensure the independent functioning of public media, including ensuring adequate, sustainable, and predictable financial resources so that RTMZ can meet the highest standards of media integrity and responsibility. Therefore, Montenegro should avoid any decision that could threaten the independence of RTCG, starting with its budget," concludes the statement of the European Commission.
The government's draft law changes the part related to the percentage set at 0.3% of GDP for RTMZ and states that funds for carrying out basic activities will be provided "depending on macroeconomic parameters and consumption limits."
In Montenegro, during 2022, according to media experts and analysts, 19 attacks and threats against journalists and media were recorded, and 21 in 2021. During the first four months of 2023, four cases of pressure, threats, and verbal attacks against journalists were recorded.
Some of the more serious cases, such as the murder of journalist Dusko Jovanovic, and the violence against Olivera Lakiq and Tufik Softiq, have not yet received the proper treatment, despite numerous promises from authorities, analysts say.