European Journalist Organizations Warn EU: BHRT on the Brink of Collapse, Act to Protect Democratic Order in BiH

(Patria) - The largest European organizations for the protection of media freedoms have sent an open letter to the European Commission warning that the Radio-Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHRT) is on the verge of complete collapse due to a long-standing financial blockade and violations of the law. While BHRT employees protest in front of the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina, MFRR partners are demanding an urgent response from European and domestic institutions to prevent the shutdown of the state public service and protect media freedom in the country.

We transmit the statement of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) in full:

"The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has joined partners from the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) mechanism in expressing serious concern about the future of the state public service of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Radio-Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHRT). In an open letter addressed to the European Commission, the organizations warn that BHRT has been brought to the brink of survival. The letter was published on the same day that BHRT employees are protesting in front of the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina, warning of the dramatic financial situation and demanding institutional support and urgent measures after years of ignoring legal obligations.

BHRT has been facing severe financial problems for years, caused by a deep institutional crisis and debts primarily incurred by the entity broadcaster RTRS, which has brought the state public service to the brink of closure. Politicians have openly violated the law, resulting in BHRT receiving only minimal funds, while disputes between entities continue.

According to employees, the situation is now so serious that accounts could be blocked, and electricity and heating could be cut off at any moment. The program was interrupted for three hours on November 21 due to a power outage and occasional failure of the entire system - most likely due to water ingress into electrical installations during heavy rains. The BHRT building is in extremely poor condition and there are no funds for basic maintenance. The entity service FTV, which also experienced a broadcast interruption, operates in the same building. In addition, around 780 employees from across the country are in constant uncertainty, fearing they will lose even the minimal income they have.

In an appeal published on November 19, 2025, employees called for personal and institutional responsibility, condemning the inaction that maintains the blockade and prolongs the unbearable situation.

While BHRT employees protest today, our organizations call on the European Commission to pressure the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure long-term support and independence of the public service, through the implementation and improvement of the law on the public RTV system in line with European standards and the requirements of the EU integration process, as well as the recently adopted Reform Agenda.

Public services are key pillars of the media environment in democratic states. The obligation of governments to ensure a sustainable and independent public service is a prerequisite for accession to the European Union and compliance with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). If measures are not taken urgently, BHRT is in real danger of shutting down.

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BHRT Employee Protest Begins: Support from Numerous Journalists from Other Media, Citizens, Unions...

(Patria) - At the plateau of BiH institutions at 10 a.m., the protest of BHRT employees and a special program that will be broadcast until 3 p.m. began.

To protect the democratic order in Bosnia and Herzegovina and maintain the European path, we call on you, Madam President and Madam Commissioner, to use the findings from the Enlargement Package and demand from the institutions of BiH to ensure regular and fair distribution of the RTV fee in accordance with the law, so that BHRT receives the funds legally due to it. The BiH authorities must urgently adopt a new law that will guarantee the long-term political and financial independence of BHRT. RTRS must respect the decisions of domestic courts and pay the debt of 50 million euros to BHRT.

These are just the first steps towards securing short-term and long-term legal solutions that will enable the survival and sustainability of the public service based on the principles of transparency and editorial independence.

The signatory organizations express solidarity with the journalists and media workers of BHRT who continue to inform the public despite dramatic working conditions. We join their call for urgent action to save the public service and protect the right of BiH citizens to independent, pluralistic and reliable information".

Signatories:

European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
International Press Institute (IPI)
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)