Enhancing the Capacities of Serbian Investigative Journalists in Mapping Foreign Influence in Serbia

Independent media in today’s Serbia find themselves in a challenging situation, facing political pressure from the ruling regime, the dominance of state-controlled media, and economic and legal obstacles in their work. These conditions pose the greatest threat to investigative journalists focusing on politically sensitive topics, which are essential for maintaining and strengthening democracy in the country.

Despite significant political and economic pressures, several media platforms in Serbia, independent of the ruling regime, successfully operate by publishing high-quality investigative content focused on domestic politics. However, even within independent media, relatively little attention is given to the topic of foreign influence. Due to its broad and flexible foreign policy orientation, Serbia is a primary target of foreign influence in the Western Balkans, a trend that has intensified significantly following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The country is at the crossroads of EU interests, the influence of Russia and China, and other actors seeking to shape developments in this unstable strategic region.

The project aims to strengthen the capacity of journalists in Serbia to investigate and report on foreign influence. Its main tool is the transfer and exchange of expertise with investigative journalists and experts from the Czech Republic, who have long been engaged in uncovering foreign influences in Central Europe. During the project, Serbian journalists receive professional support while working on thematic articles that are published in independent Serbian media. By sharing experiences and fostering connections between Serbian and Czech journalists, the project enhances the capacity of independent investigative journalism in Serbia while also increasing interest among Serbian media and the public in the topic of foreign influence.