Speech of Commissioner Marta Kos at the Critical Voices under Pressure Conference

“A free press is the backbone of any democracy. And we will support Europes press to remain free.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends, 

This is what President von der Leyen said earlier this month in her State of the European Union speech. 

Critical voices are under pressure, not just here in Bosnia and Herzegovina. But also in many parts of the European Union and around the world.  

This is very dangerous for our democracies. Because informed citizens who can trust what they read and hear are essential to keep those in power accountable.  

When independent media or civil society are silenced, our ability to preserve democracy is weakened. This is the playbook of autocrats.  

This is also where I see the main difference between what EU enlargement used to be when Slovenia or Croatia joined, and where we are today.  

Today, we are faced with enemies of freedom who are spending enormous amounts on polarising societies, destabilising democracies and eroding trust between communities.  

Thirty years ago, when I reported from Germany for Slovenian Radio, we journalists were still the main source of limited information. We had the time to check the facts. We journalists were still a filter. 

That is no longer the case. Today, we face an abundance of information.  

We are confronted with social media that prioritises the outrageous over the thoughtful. And with disinformation that paints democracies as weak and spreads narratives that justify aggression.  

The environment for quality journalism is becoming more difficult, all over the world.  

We see everywhere how independent and critical voices are increasingly coming under pressure. 

Across Bosnia and Herzegovina, and particularly in the Republika Srpska, we are seeing legislative initiatives that risk shrinking civic space and undermining media freedom. 

We know you face threats, and at times even violence. We have raised the alarm about this in our Commission reports. 

Also, the recriminalisation of defamation is a serious step backwards, and it has already created an intimidating atmosphere among journalists and activists in civil society. 

I am aware that the so-called “foreign agents” law, with its very existence, has stigmatised NGOs, restricted their legitimate work, and distanced Bosnia and Herzegovina from European standards.  

These measures do not strengthen society. They weaken it. 

Civil society organisations are not “foreign agents.” Those who take great risks to improve their country are the most patriotic citizens. They are partners for citizens. Often, they are simply filling gaps in services and making sure public concerns are heard.  

That is not a threat! On the contrary, limiting critical voices is a threat. It risks fostering corruption, intolerance, and poor governance. 

Just look around. In the last few years, teams of journalists have shed light on corruption during the pandemic, systemic election fraud in local communities, organised crime, and officials abusing their posts.  

The courage of these journalists led to arrests and prosecutions. This is how independent journalism benefits society. We need more of that, not less.  

Inside the EU, we are stepping up to support for independent media and the fight against disinformation.  

The next EU budget will contain more funding, and President Von der Leyen has just announced a new Media Resilience Programme. It will support independent journalism and media literacy.  

Consequently, the same is expected from future member states. Our priority in the enlargement process is to strengthen democratic spaces and open societies. Without real freedom of expression, no EU membership is possible. 

This is why I am so eager to speed up the accession process with Bosnia and Herzegovina. We want to get laws in place that support independent journalists, activists, and NGOs as soon as possible. 

But freedom of expression alone is not enough. Quality journalism is expensive. Media organisations need financial sustainability. 

I know that with the demise of USAID, the work of many of you has become a lot more difficult. We are stepping in at many places in our candidate countries, but we cannot fully replace the gap left by the United States. 

We are working with other donors and EU Member States to mitigate the impact. Since the beginning of the year, the EU has spent €660,000 to support independent media. And we will also provide €7 million of funding for civil society and independent media in the coming two years.

And we are helping with tools to fight information manipulation and interference.  

And we will continue to be the strongest supporters of civil society and independent media in your country. Because in a world that is taking an authoritarian turn, this is the best way to safeguard our European values.  

Former French President Charles de Gaulle once said: “Politics is too important to be left to the politicians”. 

I agree. And this is also true for the process of joining the European Union. 

It cannot be driven only by politicians. It needs an informed public, an engaged civil society, and strong, independent media.  

I am spending three days in Bosnia and Herzegovina. And most of my time will not be with politicians. It will be with representatives from all parts of society. It will be with you.  

Because your voices need to be heard loud and clear if we want to bring Bosnia and Herzegovina home into the EU. You are doing a great service to your country. And you can count on the EU as an ally.  Clever politicians should look for allies among you, because you make their work better.