RSF World Press Freedom Index 2025: Bulgaria and Romania

Although physical attacks against journalists are the most visible violations of press freedom, economic pressure is also a major, more insidious problem, is said in the RSF World Press Freedom Index for 2025. As a result, the global state of press freedom is now classified as a “difficult situation” for the first time in the history of the Index.

Bulgaria

Press freedom is fragile and unstable in one of the poorest and most corrupt countries in the European Union. The few independent media in Bulgaria are under pressure.

Media landscape

Television (BNT, bTV, Nova, etc.) and online media are the two main news sources in a country where the print media are gradually losing its influence. The political affiliation of the members of the Council for Electronic Media negatively affects the editorial independence of the public media, while the independence of privately owned media is threatened by their owners’ interests in other regulated sectors.

Political context

The intimidation of journalists by politicians and the manipulation of certain media for political purposes are a common practice in Bulgaria. The departure of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov caused a long period of political instability that lessened the political pressure on journalists, although the problem persists.

Legal framework

The country’s overall legislative framework provides minimum standards for the protection of journalists, in line with the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights and case-law of the Strasbourg Court. At the same time, corruption, the lack of independence and the low effectiveness of the judicial system make the state often powerless vis-a-vis press freedom violations. Independent media and investigative journalists are often subjected to SLAPP procedures.

Economic context

The media are almost entirely dependent on income from advertising, which is largely controlled by the state. Distribution of national and EU funds to the media by the government lacks transparency, which facilitates a partisan allocation in favour of media that support the government. 

Sociocultural context

Investigative reporters covering organized crime and corruption are regularly threatened. In addition, media specializing in minority issues or funded by foundations from the United States and Western Europe are frequently confronted with hostility and hate campaigns.

Safety

Persistent threats and physical assaults against journalists in Bulgaria — especially during election periods — are a major problem. The effect of this violence, which especially affects reporters outside the capital, is aggravated by the level of impunity for such crimes. The disproportionate use of police force against journalists at mass events is a systemic issue. 

Romania

Romania boasts a diverse and relatively pluralistic media landscape, providing fertile ground for hard-hitting public interest investigations. But a lack of transparency surrounding media financing — especially concerning political parties’ public funds — and market difficulties undermine the reliability of information and trust in the media.
Media landscape

Large European media groups such as Ringier, PPT Group and Dogan Media International have a market presence alongside large and small local players (including Intact Media Group, RCS&RDS, Clever Media Group, ZYX Publishing, G4Media, Recorder, Rise Project and PressOne). The market is diversified but fragmented, with many TV channels and news websites whose sustainability is fragile. Editorial decisions are often subordinated to the interests of owners, transforming the media into a propaganda tool.
Political context

Media independence suffers from attempts at political interference, especially when it comes to the appointments of the heads of public radio and television stations and the National Audiovisual Council. Political parties can obtain favourable media coverage in return for opaque media funding. Populist politicians have adopted an aggressive political discourse towards journalists. The 2024 presidential election was cancelled due to Russian interference in the political campaign through social media.
Legal framework

Legislation protecting press freedom and access to reliable information is insufficiently enforced, although it is aligned with European standards, including at the constitutional level. Prosecutors’ interference with journalistic work amounts to harassment and raises serious concerns. The justice system is increasingly trying to push the media to reveal their sources. The number of abusive lawsuits (SLAPPs) has been growing, while court decisions do not always respect press freedom standards.
Economic context

Media funding mechanisms are often opaque, even corrupt. While the largest media companies manage to be economically viable, most depend on external sources of funding, including subsidies. The widespread practice of diverting public funds to the media, in a non-transparent manner, distorts the market and undermines the media’s watchdog function.
Sociocultural context

Public interest journalism has faced competition from misleading narratives and fake news from some media outlets and politicians, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine. Some population groups tend to trust this false information, which sometimes converges with Russian propaganda and fuels their distrust in the media.
Safety

The safety of journalists remains a matter of concern, as they are often the target of attacks, threats, and intimidation. In the high-profile harassment and smear campaign against reporter Emilia Sercan, the authorities not only failed to render justice but they were also suspected of being complicit. Surveillance remains an issue, with intelligence services seeking greater power and influence against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and other international conflicts.