The latest Freedom House findings indicate that Serbia has continued to decline in democratic standards, receiving one of the lowest evaluations in the Western Balkans. The country remains classified as a “partly free” state, with an overall score of 56 out of 100, reflecting ongoing concerns over political rights and civil liberties.
According to the report, Serbia has experienced one of the most significant deteriorations in the region in recent years, with its democratic indicators weakening more sharply than those of neighboring countries.
Two decades of global decline in freedom
The report places Serbia’s situation within a broader global trend, noting that freedom worldwide has been declining for nearly 20 consecutive years. This long-term pattern is characterized by increasing pressure on democratic institutions, shrinking space for civil society, and the rise of authoritarian practices across multiple regions.
Freedom House highlights that, in this context, only a limited number of countries show improvement, while a significantly larger number continue to experience setbacks in democratic governance and rights protections.
Media freedom, expression, and rule of law under pressure
Particular concern is raised over media freedom, freedom of expression, and the fairness of legal proceedings, which are identified as some of the most vulnerable areas. The reports point to increasing pressure on independent media, as well as broader challenges affecting the functioning of democratic institutions and accountability mechanisms.
Additional findings note that political life in Serbia has been shaped by tensions, protests, and disputed electoral conditions, contributing to further erosion of institutional trust and democratic standards.
Internet freedom has also declined, with authorities responding to protests and public dissent with measures affecting online expression and media reporting.
Serbia remains a “hybrid regime” in the regional context
Within the regional framework, Serbia continues to be categorized as a “transitional or hybrid regime,” a classification used for systems that combine formal democratic structures with significant weaknesses in governance, rule of law, and institutional independence.
The report emphasizes that democratic backsliding in Serbia is linked to long-term trends, including the concentration of political power, pressure on opposition actors, and limitations on independent institutions.
Broader implications for democratic development
The findings suggest that Serbia’s trajectory reflects wider challenges facing the Western Balkans, where several countries remain in similar hybrid categories and struggle with democratic consolidation. At the same time, the report underscores that continued reforms, strengthening of institutions, and protection of fundamental freedoms remain key conditions for reversing the negative trend.
Overall, Freedom House concludes that the persistence of democratic decline, both globally and regionally, highlights the urgency of addressing systemic weaknesses in governance, particularly in areas such as media independence, judicial fairness, and political pluralism.
