Zagreb - The Opposition said on Tuesday that the bill implementing the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) fails to address issues such as political pressure on journalists, unsafe working conditions, SLAPP suits, media ownership concentration and non-transparent advertising by state-owned companies.
During a debate in the Croatian parliament, SDP MP Mirela Ahmetović said the bill "meets only the bare minimum" required for alignment with EU legislation, missing an opportunity to boost media independence and pluralism. She noted that Croatia has fallen from 48th to 60th place in the global media freedom index over the past two years.
Urša Raukar Gamulin (We Can!) criticised the lack of a serious assessment of Croatia's media landscape, arguing the bill does not provide protection for editorial independence or effective safeguards against political and economic pressure.
Bridge MP Marin Miletić highlighted media ownership concentration and state advertising as tools of influence, pointing to significant advertising spending by the state power company HEP as an example of potential self-censorship.
IDS MP Dalibor Paus objected to the current model for appointing members of the Council for Electronic Media, saying political control remains too strong since the government nominates members and parliament elects them. He called for a more democratic selection process involving professionals and civil society.
Igor Peternel (DOMiNO and Croatian Sovereignists group) warned that the bill grants broad supervisory powers to the Agency for Electronic Media without sufficient safeguards against abuse.
Ruling HDZ MP Anđelka Salopek defended the proposal, saying it builds on previous reforms and aims to ensure public broadcaster independence and transparent media ownership.
Coalition partner Homeland Movement also announced support, stating the bill seeks institutional answers about media independence and financing.