EP "concerned about freedom of expression"

EP "concerned about freedom of expression"

McAllister, who was visiting Serbia this week, spoke for Radio Free Europe (RFE) to say that EU's report on Serbia's progress from 2014 stated the same he did in his draft report - the freedom of the media is crucial for their functioning.

Asked whether he shared the conclusion of some representatives of NGOs and media, such as the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, who complain about coming under pressure, McAllister said that he spoke with journalists, representatives of NGOs, opposition, but also the government.

"In that way I formulated my report on Serbia, which, in my opinion, gives a balanced view. Let me repeat: the freedom of the media is important for democracy and the Serbian government is to guarantee the legal framework in which the media operate," he said.

McAllister added that he "will not interfere in the internal politics of Serbia" but was instead tasked to assess whether the freedom of the press is guaranteed.

"We know that there is still work to be done there," he was quoted as saying.

Asked whether this was "a mild reaction on his part" considering that a few weeks ago Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic "accused the EU of funding some non-governmental organizations and the media who write critically about the government," McAllister said that he "could not comment, because he does not know all the details."

"I think it is best that the EU representative in Belgrade, Michael Davenport, answers this question. However, I can show you my report. In it I wrote - the EU welcomes the adoption of the Law on Public Information and Media, the Law on Electronic Media and calls for their implementation," he said.

The German MEP pointed out that the European Parliament was concerned about the deterioration of the conditions for full freedom of expression in Serbia and highlighted the need for complete transparency of media ownership.

"The European Parliament expressed its concern over threats against journalists," said McAllister, adding that this was also in his report, and was something agreed on by all "shadow rapporteurs."

McAllister also said he discussed this with Vucic, and added:

"We talked about all the topics, but we agreed not comment on it publicly. But I can assure you that we talked about all the problems that are important for my report."

Asked to comment on "some claims that the prime minister abuses his power and the media to build a cult of personality," McAllister said it was "a matter of internal politics of Serbia."

He described himself as "an EU rapporteur" who "observes what is happening on the ground."

"Aleksandar Vucic is the prime minister of your country. He won huge support in the last election and is well ranked in the polls, although he is implementing very complicated reforms, especially when it comes to socio-economic issues. I think he does a good job, I respect his work and will not interfere in domestic politics," McAllister pointed out.

He added that Vucic receives a lot of media attention, "which is normal," and that it was important that the government, but also the opposition have the attention of the media, "because democracy means different ideas and ways to implement policies."