Podgorica, (MINA) – Media workers in Montenegro are yet to feel significant improvements, as inflation annuls sporadic salary increases, while a rise in the number of attacks on journalists further contributes to their dissatisfaction, according to the survey carried out by the Media Trade Union of Montenegro (SMCG).

 

SMCG presented its latest survey on the level of media freedom and the Western Balkans Journalists’ Safety Index, which shows the position of Montenegro in the region in terms of protection of journalists and attacks on media workers.

 

SMCG Vice-President and survey author Marijana Camovic Velickovic said that in 2025, Montenegro retained third place in the region in terms of media freedom and safety of journalists, but that a slight decline in the overall rating was recorded.

 

“In 2025, Montenegro again ranked third, but with a slight decrease in the general rating of journalists’ safety. The score for 2025 is 3.14, while for 2024 it was 3.15”, said Camovic Velickovic.

 

She pointed out that since the beginning of the measurement in 2020, when Montenegro had a score of 3.56, it has experienced a continuous decline to the current score of 3.14.

 

 

 

SMCG president Radomir Krackovic said that a record number of attacks on journalists and media workers was recorded in Montenegro last year – 33.

 

He noted that cases of attacks on journalists are now being resolved faster than before, but added that political pressure on the media continued throughout the previous year, through harsh criticism of the work of the media and attempts to target outlets due to their editorial policies.

 

“A new trend is that there is no longer a single condemnation of attacks on journalists and media workers, but some political parties now avoid condemning them, even openly side with perpetrators”, Krackovic warned.