Croatia: Tackling political pressure, legal challenges and precarity to revive media freedom

Media freedom in Croatia is under growing pressure due to outdated laws, political influence, SLAPP lawsuits, and worsening working conditions for journalists. The latest Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) report highlights these challenges and outlines key reforms needed to strengthen independent journalism and protect press freedom.

This webinar will explore the legal, political, and economic barriers undermining media resilience in Croatia, including the urgent need to decriminalise defamation, reform media laws in line with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), and improve access to public information. It will also address the increasing threats faced by journalists, from physical attacks to smear campaigns, and discuss solutions to ensure a safer and more sustainable media landscape.

With contributions from leading experts, this discussion will provide insights into the steps needed to restore media independence and promote lasting reform.