Media situation affects accession talks

BELGRADE - Media Vice President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament Tanja Fajon has said that the media situation in Serbia would have an impact on the opening of the first chapters in the accession talks between Serbia and the EU.

Research shows that the media environment in Serbia is bad for journalist work, as indicated by numerous verbal and physical assaults on reporters, as well as the fact that there is limited room for objective, professional and analytical journalism, she told the daily Danas from Serbia, adding that she had pointed it out multiple times and was still concerned over the issue.

Belgrade is expected to adopt adequate and modern laws that will be implemented and followed, as well as for all the segments of society that can influence the media in any way to act responsibly, she stressed.

The European Parliament is watching closely the situation in SErbia, especially when it comes to the media, she said when asked if the media situation could have an effect on the opening of the first chapters of the accession talks.

When it comes to chapters 23 and 24 (judiciary, basic human rights and justice, freedom and security), which refer to human rights, the battle against corruption, security, efficient judiciary and general rule of law, it is all connected with the media and freedom of expression, she noted, adding that therefore she believed the media situation in Serbia definitely had an influence on opening those first chapters and Serbia's EU integration in general.