The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the Journalists’ Association of Serbia (UNS), the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS), and the “Nezavisnost” Branch Trade Union express deep concern over the ongoing and increasingly intense pressures, professional degradation, and systematic erosion of labor rights of journalists and media workers at Euronews Serbia.
In the latest wave of layoffs, at least 12 journalists and employees received termination notices due to alleged redundancy, citing organizational changes and the cessation of need for their positions. At the same time, some employees were offered annexes to their contracts with reduced salaries. Particularly alarming is the fact that the majority of those dismissed had previously resisted pressures and attempts to alter the editorial policy, to the detriment of the profession. This situation has been unfolding since Minja Miletić, the regional director, and Dragana Pejović, the editor-in-chief, assumed their leadership roles.
It is especially concerning that these dismissals were the result of non-transparent and ad hoc evaluation criteria, implemented in a highly questionable manner—without explanation, without evidence, and contrary to the employer’s own internal regulations. The performance evaluations were arbitrary, incomplete, and inconsistent, and employees were not given an adequate opportunity to respond. The foundations of professional and dignified work have been undermined.
Although journalists carried out their duties conscientiously and in accordance with their job descriptions, the evaluations they received did not reflect the actual situation or result from any objective performance analysis. On the contrary, these manipulative assessments were the key factor in the dismissal decisions.
For months, employees at Euronews Serbia have been exposed to: censorship, bans on questioning government representatives, threats of dismissal, repression for expressing professional dissent, and overt demands for loyalty to the owner rather than to the public interest. Journalists and media workers have been working in an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, caused by continuous pressure and constant anticipation of further actions by the employer, justified by alleged dissatisfaction of the owners with the results achieved. Such a situation has seriously affected their health and their sense of safety in the workplace.
We recall that this was preceded by the dismissal of journalist Marija Šehić, which, although officially justified by alleged misconduct and breach of work discipline, was essentially an act of retaliation for her professional and courageous commitment to journalistic integrity and labor rights.
This treatment of journalists and media workers became more visible to the public on April 18, when a controversial article titled “We Call on Authorities to Enable RTS to Operate” was published in the name of the outlet without the knowledge or consent of most of the newsroom. A total of 78 journalists and media workers of Euronews Serbia publicly distanced themselves from the statement. Instead of reacting responsibly and in accordance with professional standards, management reportedly continued with the pressure, ignored staff suggestions, and banned certain topics.
According to some journalists, it is only in recent weeks that digitalization and cost-cutting have started to be mentioned in internal communications as reasons for the reduction in staff. However, that was not the case from the moment Minja Miletić and Dragana Pejović took over the leadership of the television station. After their arrival, investments were made in new projects, additional expenses were incurred, and a larger number of people were hired — including some who were laid off just this week (and who are also among those who publicly distanced themselves from the “Euronews” statement).
Despite legal obligations, Euronews Serbia has still not adopted a policy document for the protection of editorial independence, further confirming the intention to suppress professional autonomy and silence all opposition.
Once again, we urge and explicitly demand that the management and editorial board of Euronews Serbia immediately cease the dismissals, pressure, and degradation of employees; annul the dismissal decisions made in a non-transparent and unlawful manner; conduct performance evaluations lawfully—objectively, with justification, and in respect of employees’ rights; urgently establish and enforce a policy document on the protection of editorial independence; and ensure conditions for free, independent, and dignified work without fear of repression or professional retaliation.
We emphasize that professional standards, journalistic ethics, and the public interest must not be sacrificed for political or ownership interests. The media exist to serve the public, not centers of power, and any attempt to influence editorial policy or silence professional journalists represents a direct attack on freedom of expression and democratic values.
We express our full support and solidarity with the journalists and media workers whose contracts have been terminated, as well as with those who remain working at Euronews Serbia despite increasingly unbearable working conditions. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will duly inform relevant domestic and international institutions of all consequences and further pressures.
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has informed the Platform of the Council of Europe for the Protection of Journalism about these cases and requested an inquiry into the actions of Euronews Serbia management. In full solidarity with the dismissed journalists of Euronews Serbia and all those facing political pressure and censorship across the country, the EFJ strongly supports this call, remains committed to defending press freedom and standing by journalists who are being silenced for telling the truth, and will continue to raise the issue at the European level.
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS)
The Journalists’ Association of Serbia (UNS)
The “Nezavisnost” Branch Trade Union
June, 28 2025
