Montenegro has dropped in the World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), falling from 37th place last year to 41st out of 180 countries included in the report.

As reported by Vijesti, the report notes that Montenegro’s Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, but that press freedom remains under threat due to political influence, unresolved attacks on journalists, and economic pressures.

RSF also observes that Montenegro is seeking to join the European Union (EU), and that the ruling coalition, which came to power in 2023, has been aligning national legislation with European standards.

“Concerns have once again surfaced that the executive branch is attempting to interfere with the independence of the public broadcaster, Radio and Television of Montenegro (RTCG). The parliamentary majority adopted a new law allowing the Director General of RTCG (Boris Raonić) to remain in office despite multiple court rulings that his appointment was unlawful,” the report states.

In addition, RSF highlights concerns that foreign owners of certain media outlets may influence editorial policies to serve the interests of other countries and their political actors, such as Serbia.

RSF notes that most recent attacks on journalists have been resolved, but that older cases remain unresolved.

“These include the 2004 murder of Dan editor-in-chief Duško Jovanović and the 2018 attempted murder of investigative journalist Olivera Lakić. Journalists continue to be targeted through smear campaigns by politicians, both from ruling parties and the opposition,” RSF warned.