The directors of Montenegro’s major print newspapers — Pobjeda, Dan, and Vijesti — have sent an official letter to European Enlargement Commissioner Mariya Gabriel Kos, warning that the newly adopted Law on Games of Chance poses a serious threat to independent media. They claim the law drastically reduces a key source of media revenue and could lead to the shutdown of entire newsrooms.
The law, they argue, disproportionately affects print and private media already struggling under difficult market conditions. Print media — which bear the highest costs of production and distribution — are placed at a disadvantage compared to other media formats. This endangers media pluralism and public access to diverse information sources.
The editors stress that print outlets carry much of the burden of investigative journalism in Montenegro, producing in-depth analysis and exposing scandals. While circulation has declined, their stories are widely disseminated through online platforms and social media, making their role vital in shaping public discourse.
They warn that the financial impact is already visible: reduced print runs, content cuts, and potential layoffs. If left unaddressed, this could erode the quality and credibility of public information.
In their appeal, the editors urge the European Commission to respond and pressure Montenegrin institutions to avoid policies that discriminate against print media. They argue that such measures not only endanger jobs but undermine democracy, the rule of law, and Montenegro’s EU accession aspirations.
The same concerns were previously communicated to Montenegro’s president, prime minister, parliament speaker, and finance minister earlier in September.
