Journalists Matter, Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists
The Council of Europe encourages member states to transpose the Campaign to the national context. Without each member’s committed and effective effort at national level, through the development of the so-called ‘national chapter’, the Campaign cannot reach its goals.
In this section, we will present developments in Slovenia:
National Focal Point
Mr Skender ADEM, Secretary at the Media Directorate, Ministry of Culture of Slovenia
National Campaign Committee
A dedicated national committee under the Council of Europe’s Journalists Matter campaign has not yet been established in Slovenia. According to the Slovenian Association of Journalists (DNS), the committee is expected to be established during the first half of 2026 and will operate independently under the governance of the Association, with financial support provided by the Ministry of Culture. Its planned activities include promoting professional standards, ethical journalism, media literacy and dialogue among journalists, policymakers and civil society. According to DNS, the committee is also expected to examine emerging challenges affecting the media environment, including misinformation, pressures on editorial independence and threats to press freedom, and to contribute recommendations aimed at fostering a transparent, accountable and resilient media environment.
Safety of Journalists national landscape
2025 update
A significant development in 2025 was the adoption of the new Mass Media Act (Official Gazette No. 69/2025). The legislation introduces financial support measures for digital media and public-interest journalism, including state aid schemes covering journalists’ salaries and other production-related costs. The measures are intended to support the sustainability of media outlets and contribute to the economic security of journalists.
The Act also includes provisions relating to journalists’ professional independence and editorial autonomy, including safeguards protecting journalists who refuse assignments that conflict with professional standards and ethical principles. Additional provisions reinforce the protection of journalistic sources, restrict access to confidential journalistic communications except in narrowly defined circumstances subject to judicial oversight, and introduce safeguards against the use of intrusive surveillance technologies targeting journalists and media professionals. The legislation further strengthens the role of editorial staff in procedures relating to the appointment and dismissal of editors-in-chief.
Slovenia also adopted legislation on protection against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) through the Act on Protective Measures Against Strategic Actions to Prevent Public Participation.
In 2025, five Slovenian media-focused civil society organisations launched the KOMPAS – Strengthening and Connecting Media NGOs to Protect Democratic Public Debate project. The initiative promotes quality journalism, ethical reporting, media literacy, critical thinking and active citizenship...
In 2025, Slovenian media and civil society organisations participated in initiatives aimed at strengthening professional standards, promoting media literacy and addressing challenges affecting journalists and the media sector. Through the regional Women in the Media (2025–2028) project, partners...
In 2025, the Slovenian Association of Journalists (DNS) continued operating the PRIJAVI NAPAD (“Report an Attack”) platform, which records incidents affecting journalists and media workers and provides support, information and guidance to those concerned. The platform enables the reporting and...
Slovenia, National chapter
