The Threat to Press Freedom in Slovakia

On 15 May, the shocking news of the shooting of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico sent waves of uncertainty through Bratislava. As the details unfolded, it became evident how crucial a diverse and robust local media is in times of crisis. However, in the face of a growing threat to press freedom, independent reporters in Slovakia are now being targeted by the authorities.

During a visit to Bratislava on that fateful day, Attila Mong, a Hungarian journalist and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Europe representative, and I explored the escalating danger posed to the press in Slovakia. The recently elected coalition government in Slovakia has displayed a concerning hostility towards the media, drawing parallels to Hungary’s media control under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Attila, having experienced firsthand Hungary’s media takeover in 2010, noted the failure of interventions from Brussels. The worrying trend of biased news coverage favoring the ruling party in Hungary’s recent elections underscores the risk Slovakia now faces, urging the EU to act swiftly.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) highlighted the lack of a level playing field in Hungary’s 2022 elections, emphasizing the prevalence of biased media coverage that benefitted the ruling party. This scenario looms over Slovakia, warranting immediate action from the EU to prevent a similar erosion of press freedom.

The Menace of Media Restrictions

Recent legislative moves in Slovakia, including the establishment of a new public service broadcaster with potential political influence and the rapid introduction of media-related laws, signal a concerning shift towards press control. Traditional media outlets are facing dwindling trust, paving the way for social media-driven disinformation and conspiracy theories.

In the aftermath of Prime Minister Fico’s shooting, authorities in Slovakia resorted to blaming journalists for spreading hatred, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty among the journalistic community. Incremental attempts to undermine independent media are on the rise, with journalists facing pressure and verbal attacks from politicians.

A toxic discourse has permeated the Slovak media landscape, posing a significant threat to press freedom. The EU’s response to Hungary’s media capture serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for proactive measures to safeguard media independence in Slovakia.

The Call for EU Action

As Slovakia teeters on the brink of media capture, the EU must intervene decisively to uphold press freedom and democratic values. The European Media Freedom Act and the Digital Services Act provide avenues for the European Commission to address threats to media pluralism and independence.

By leveraging financial incentives and conditionalities tied to EU funds, Brussels can exert pressure on Slovakia to uphold the rule of law and protect press freedom. The European Parliament’s scrutiny and solidarity among member states are crucial in deterring authoritarian practices that undermine media freedom.

Tom Gibson, the EU representative and advocacy manager at the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), underscores the urgency for Brussels to act swiftly in defense of press freedom in Slovakia. The EU’s ability to ensure a free and independent press is essential for upholding democratic principles and preventing the erosion of media freedoms in member states.

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