EC in response to letter from UM editors: Media freedom, including protection of editorial independence, crucial element of the accession process

Following the dismissal of heads of United Group (UG), Dragan Solak and Viktoriya Boklag, the editors at United Media, concerned for the future of free journalism, sent a letter to the international community. This included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, several commissioners, MEPs and the European Parliament’s Culture and Education Committee (CULT), the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), International Press Institute (IPI) and Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

The European Commission said they have carefully read the letter and taken note of the concerns.

“While we cannot intervene in cases of changes in personnel of a private company, we recall that media freedom and pluralism is one of the essential foundations of a democratic society and a fundamental right in the EU. This includes the protection of editorial independence, which is among the key principles of the European Media Freedom Act as part of the EU acquis, and with which candidate countries are expected to align their legislation.

“Media freedom is therefore a crucial element of Serbia's EU accession process. We expect Serbian authorities to create an enabling environment in which media freedom and freedom of expression can be exercised without hindrance. It is equally crucial that journalists are able to do their job free of any threat of violence, harassment and intimidation to ensure that citizens have access to all information,” the response stated.

If further added that they are concerned about pressure and attacks some journalists have been facing in the context of the recent protests. They expect competent authorities to swiftly follow up on all cases and ensure effective judicial follow-up in order to bring perpetrators to justice.

“As Commissioner (Marta) Kos has stated, it is precisely Serbia's EU path that offers solutions to many of the issues that are at the heart of the discussion in Serbia, including media freedom. The Commission will continue to follow these developments closely, also in the context of EU accession negotiations, and will report as part of the 2025 Enlargement Package,” said the response from the European Commission, signed by the head of the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood.

In the letter, titled “Appeal for the Protection of Independent Journalism in Southeast Europe,” the editors stated:

We, editors of the media operating under United Media, a member of United Group (UG), are deeply concerned about the recent decision by BC Partners, UG’s majority shareholder, to remove the company’s founder, Mr. Dragan Solak, and Group CEO, Ms. Victoriya Boklag, without public explanation.

This decision has caused serious distress among journalists and editors across our media network. From the very beginning, Mr. Solak has been a consistent and principled advocate of independent journalism in the Balkans. In an environment of continuous and coordinated attacks by regimes with authoritarian tendencies—especially in Serbia—Mr. Solak has provided unwavering support and protection for editorial independence, even under immense political and economic pressure.

Any other businessman would likely have succumbed to such relentless assaults: smear campaigns, regulatory harassment, and direct interference. But Mr. Solak believed in our mission—to provide the public with accurate, professional, and independent information—and resisted all attempts to undermine editorial freedom.

We are concerned that the sudden removal of Mr. Solak and Ms. Boklag could indicate that BC Partners is subject to political pressure and may open the door to editorial influence by governments and interest groups hostile to media freedom. This would represent a serious blow to one of the few remaining bastions of independent journalism in Southeast Europe.

Therefore, we issue the following appeal:

That BC Partners publicly reaffirm its commitment to preserving the independence of all editorial teams within United Media;

That no staffing or managerial decisions be made that could jeopardize or diminish this independence;

That European institutions and press freedom organizations actively monitor the situation and help safeguard one of the last strongholds of free and professional journalism in the Balkans.

Journalists within United Media have faced threats, intimidation, and smear campaigns precisely because they remained independent. They report truthfully and courageously, in the service of the public interest.

The media within our network are not just businesses—they are vital public institutions that provide accurate, verified information daily to millions of citizens in countries where democratic standards and media freedoms are increasingly under threat.

We urge you to recognize the potential consequences of this change and to take a clear stance—before political influence replaces journalistic integrity on one of the region’s few remaining platforms for free expression.