Column by the Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luigi Soreca
At a time when media around the world are under pressure from disinformation, commercial interests and political influence, Bosnia and Herzegovina risks losing something that cannot be easily regained – its public broadcasting service.
The Radio and Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHRT) has been going through a severe financial crisis for years, but the threat is now existential. Debts are piling up, there are threats of power outages and property seizure. Around 700 employees and their families are facing uncertainty – people who work every day to provide the citizens of this country with access to reliable, professional and impartial information.
The European Union is deeply concerned about the situation of BHRT. Independent, balanced and objective public broadcasting is a key pillar of a democratic society, supporting pluralism and media freedom, and providing guarantees of transparency and accountability.
Political irresponsibility, including long-standing neglect of legal obligations, have brought BHRT to the brink. For years, the revenues that belong to public broadcasters by law have not reached them. Institutions and political leaders have knowingly allowed the problem to pile up, with no will to find a sustainable solution.
The European Union has clearly emphasised in its documents, including the recently published Country Report, that the political independence and financial sustainability of public broadcasters are priorities for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path. This criterion is not a formality, but an essential condition for the functioning of a democratic state.
We call on the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to take immediate action to address the most urgent issues that threaten the very existence of BHRT, such as solving the debt issue towards the European Broadcasting Union, in order to avoid threats of confiscation. Second, we urge the authorities to address the more systematic issues, including measures to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the overall public broadcasting system. The preservation of BHRT is a test of political maturity and the ability to defend the public interest. The time for delay and shifting responsibility is over.
A country aspiring to membership in the European Union cannot be the only one in Europe without a state public broadcaster. The disappearance or collapse of BHRT would represent a major step back for the country, as well as blow to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s image internationally.
The European Union remains ready to support efforts towards reform and sustainability of the public broadcasting service. But above all, a clear decision is needed from domestic institutions to protect what is vital for every citizen – the right to truth, information and independent journalism. BHRT is a public good that belongs to all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Action is needed to protect it.
