Antoinette Nikolova
@antoinettenikol.bsky.social
EU correspondent, Based West and East, and in between. R/T means it’s interesting
BFMI Director
BFMI Director
Join EU leaders, journalists & tech experts in Brussels for the launch of the TikTokcracy Report, exposing how platforms shape elections & public trust across Europe.
Opening remarks:
President of the EP
bit.ly/49du6u9
Opening remarks:
President of the EP
bit.ly/49du6u9
Tackling “TikTokcracy” in the Balkans — Balkan Free Media Initiative
Tackling “TikTokcracy” in the Balkans 📌 The discussion will examine how algorithmic influence operations intersect with fragile media ecosystems to shape democratic outcomes across the Balkans and ...
bit.ly
November 15, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Join EU leaders, journalists & tech experts in Brussels for the launch of the TikTokcracy Report, exposing how platforms shape elections & public trust across Europe.
Opening remarks:
President of the EP
bit.ly/49du6u9
Opening remarks:
President of the EP
bit.ly/49du6u9
What happens when algorithm shape what millions see, share, and vote for?
The upcoming Tackling TikTokcracy report by the BFMI uncovers how algorithmic manipulation and captured media ecosystems are shaping elections and public trust in the Balkans 🔗 Register here: bit.ly/tiktokcracy
The upcoming Tackling TikTokcracy report by the BFMI uncovers how algorithmic manipulation and captured media ecosystems are shaping elections and public trust in the Balkans 🔗 Register here: bit.ly/tiktokcracy
November 7, 2025 at 10:19 PM
What happens when algorithm shape what millions see, share, and vote for?
The upcoming Tackling TikTokcracy report by the BFMI uncovers how algorithmic manipulation and captured media ecosystems are shaping elections and public trust in the Balkans 🔗 Register here: bit.ly/tiktokcracy
The upcoming Tackling TikTokcracy report by the BFMI uncovers how algorithmic manipulation and captured media ecosystems are shaping elections and public trust in the Balkans 🔗 Register here: bit.ly/tiktokcracy
Reposted by Antoinette Nikolova
Serbia: disturbing report from OCCRP about the government allegedly seeking to silence an independent media outlet covering the protests. www.occrp.org/en/news/audi.... With constant threats and attacks against journalists, press freedom in Serbia is getting worse each week.
Audio Recording Reveals United Group and Telekom Srbija CEOs Discussing Undermining Serbian Broadcaster
The CEOs discussed removing the chief executive of a United Group subsidiary that owns N1, a Serbian TV channel that has documented nine months of anti-government protests.
www.occrp.org
August 28, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Serbia: disturbing report from OCCRP about the government allegedly seeking to silence an independent media outlet covering the protests. www.occrp.org/en/news/audi.... With constant threats and attacks against journalists, press freedom in Serbia is getting worse each week.
🔥 Bulgaria’s slide into state capture is no longer a local issue it’s a failure of Europe.
Oligarch Delian Peevski, sanctioned by the #US, is consolidating power as Sofia prepares to join the euro. Brussels, Brussels we have a problem . #Bulgaria € #EU
👉 lnkd.in/dfgxicWz
Oligarch Delian Peevski, sanctioned by the #US, is consolidating power as Sofia prepares to join the euro. Brussels, Brussels we have a problem . #Bulgaria € #EU
👉 lnkd.in/dfgxicWz
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
lnkd.in
July 17, 2025 at 9:38 AM
🔥 Bulgaria’s slide into state capture is no longer a local issue it’s a failure of Europe.
Oligarch Delian Peevski, sanctioned by the #US, is consolidating power as Sofia prepares to join the euro. Brussels, Brussels we have a problem . #Bulgaria € #EU
👉 lnkd.in/dfgxicWz
Oligarch Delian Peevski, sanctioned by the #US, is consolidating power as Sofia prepares to join the euro. Brussels, Brussels we have a problem . #Bulgaria € #EU
👉 lnkd.in/dfgxicWz
Proud to share this new article by Vanessa from the BFMI team, shedding light on the EU’s Blind Spot in the Fight for Democracy
Important reflections at a critical time →https://bit.ly/4kwBhjI
#BFMI #PressFreedom #EuropeanMedia
Important reflections at a critical time →https://bit.ly/4kwBhjI
#BFMI #PressFreedom #EuropeanMedia
The EU is fighting an algorithmic war with analogue instincts.
And it’s losing.
📰 A thoughtful and timely piece by our colleague Vanessa Valcheva on 👉 "The Balkans Are the EU’s Blind Spot in the Fight for Democracy"
Well worth the read → bit.ly/3H79rMt
#Balkans #MediaFreedom #EU
And it’s losing.
📰 A thoughtful and timely piece by our colleague Vanessa Valcheva on 👉 "The Balkans Are the EU’s Blind Spot in the Fight for Democracy"
Well worth the read → bit.ly/3H79rMt
#Balkans #MediaFreedom #EU
Why the Balkans Are the EU’s Weakest Link in Defending Democracy — Balkan Free Media Initiative
Media freedom is under attack in EU candidate countries, with disinformation, foreign influence, and democratic backsliding on the rise. A key EU hearing highlights the urgent need for stronger suppor...
bit.ly
May 26, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Proud to share this new article by Vanessa from the BFMI team, shedding light on the EU’s Blind Spot in the Fight for Democracy
Important reflections at a critical time →https://bit.ly/4kwBhjI
#BFMI #PressFreedom #EuropeanMedia
Important reflections at a critical time →https://bit.ly/4kwBhjI
#BFMI #PressFreedom #EuropeanMedia
Long queue to talk about #MediaFreedom at #ijf25
April 10, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Long queue to talk about #MediaFreedom at #ijf25
Just out on @POLITICOEurope:
My op-ed on how some of the EU’s most influential members are setting a dangerous precedent when it comes to media freedom.
It’s time to call out the provocateurs www.politico.eu/article/eu-a...
My op-ed on how some of the EU’s most influential members are setting a dangerous precedent when it comes to media freedom.
It’s time to call out the provocateurs www.politico.eu/article/eu-a...
If the EU is to support media freedom, its members must lead by example
If the bloc hopes to influence the aspiring autocrats in candidate countries, it must establish a strong culture of independent media within its own borders.
www.politico.eu
April 10, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Just out on @POLITICOEurope:
My op-ed on how some of the EU’s most influential members are setting a dangerous precedent when it comes to media freedom.
It’s time to call out the provocateurs www.politico.eu/article/eu-a...
My op-ed on how some of the EU’s most influential members are setting a dangerous precedent when it comes to media freedom.
It’s time to call out the provocateurs www.politico.eu/article/eu-a...
Is Musk's version of “free speech” means silencing opposition?
www.politico.eu/article/musk...
www.politico.eu/article/musk...
Musk’s X suspends opposition accounts in Turkey amid civil unrest
Suspensions affect accounts spreading information about the widespread demonstrations.
www.politico.eu
March 22, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Is Musk's version of “free speech” means silencing opposition?
www.politico.eu/article/musk...
www.politico.eu/article/musk...
With Trump in the White House and Europe chasing stability, autocrats are losing their favored scapegoats.
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti... via @opinion
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti... via @opinion
Today’s Autocrat Has No Liberal West to Blame
Claiming Trump’s CIA stokes pro-democracy revolutions is no longer credible.
www.bloomberg.com
March 21, 2025 at 9:27 PM
With Trump in the White House and Europe chasing stability, autocrats are losing their favored scapegoats.
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti... via @opinion
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti... via @opinion
Civil liberties report warns that Italy along with Bulgaria , Croatia , Romania and Slovakia intentionally undermining rule of law ‘in nearly all aspects’ #Italy #Bulgaria #Romania #Slovakia #Croatia
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Italy one of five ‘dismantlers’ causing ‘democratic recession’ in Europe, report says
Civil liberties report warns that Italy along with Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Slovakia intentionally undermining rule of law ‘in nearly all aspects’
www.theguardian.com
March 17, 2025 at 11:53 AM
The Czech's Foreign Minister is now proposing that the EU should take over Radio Free Europe, following theUS's decision to withdraw funding.
www.novinky.cz/clanek/domac...
www.novinky.cz/clanek/domac...
Lipavský by byl pro financování rádia Svobodná Evropa z evropských peněz - Novinky
Evropská unie by měla zvážit, zda nepřevezme financování Rádia Svobodná Evropa, poté co administrativa Donalda Trumpa už provoz stanice platit nechce. Ministr zahraničí Jan Lipavský to řekl v neděli v...
www.novinky.cz
March 17, 2025 at 12:04 AM
The Czech's Foreign Minister is now proposing that the EU should take over Radio Free Europe, following theUS's decision to withdraw funding.
www.novinky.cz/clanek/domac...
www.novinky.cz/clanek/domac...
Reposted by Antoinette Nikolova
The closure of RFERL after 75 years is a devastating loss for independent journalism and those who rely on it for truth in closed societies.Silencing one of the last beacons of free information is a gift to autocrats.A decision like this doesn’t just weaken the free press but the democracy itself.
March 15, 2025 at 11:45 PM
The closure of RFERL after 75 years is a devastating loss for independent journalism and those who rely on it for truth in closed societies.Silencing one of the last beacons of free information is a gift to autocrats.A decision like this doesn’t just weaken the free press but the democracy itself.
🔴 Vučić fears his own youth—silencing media, repressing protests, and ruling by fear.
Serbian police just used an LRAD sonic cannon against students in Belgrade during their 15 minutes of silence.
Demonizing protesters is a sign of panic. Defending them is defending Serbia’s future.
Serbian police just used an LRAD sonic cannon against students in Belgrade during their 15 minutes of silence.
Demonizing protesters is a sign of panic. Defending them is defending Serbia’s future.
March 15, 2025 at 11:12 PM
🔴 Vučić fears his own youth—silencing media, repressing protests, and ruling by fear.
Serbian police just used an LRAD sonic cannon against students in Belgrade during their 15 minutes of silence.
Demonizing protesters is a sign of panic. Defending them is defending Serbia’s future.
Serbian police just used an LRAD sonic cannon against students in Belgrade during their 15 minutes of silence.
Demonizing protesters is a sign of panic. Defending them is defending Serbia’s future.
Reposted by Antoinette Nikolova
💥Viktor Orbán deployed pure dehumanizing fascist rhetoric in his March 15 speech to threaten his critics:
“The stink bugs survived the winter. We'll dismantle the financial machinery that has bought politicians, judges, journalists, fake NGOs and political activists... They've survived too much."
“The stink bugs survived the winter. We'll dismantle the financial machinery that has bought politicians, judges, journalists, fake NGOs and political activists... They've survived too much."
March 15, 2025 at 12:02 PM
💥Viktor Orbán deployed pure dehumanizing fascist rhetoric in his March 15 speech to threaten his critics:
“The stink bugs survived the winter. We'll dismantle the financial machinery that has bought politicians, judges, journalists, fake NGOs and political activists... They've survived too much."
“The stink bugs survived the winter. We'll dismantle the financial machinery that has bought politicians, judges, journalists, fake NGOs and political activists... They've survived too much."
Tears of joy & excitement in Belgrade 🇷🇸 as thousands of Serbian students arrive from all over the country to take part in the largest anti-govt protest since the Milosevic overthrow in 2000.
March 15, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Tears of joy & excitement in Belgrade 🇷🇸 as thousands of Serbian students arrive from all over the country to take part in the largest anti-govt protest since the Milosevic overthrow in 2000.
Belgrade, on the eve of the protest
March 15, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Belgrade, on the eve of the protest
Belgrade tonight
March 15, 2025 at 12:58 AM
Belgrade tonight
In Belgrade as students from across Serbia, who have spent days walking to the capital, arrive ahead of tomorrow's protests.
March 15, 2025 at 12:54 AM
In Belgrade as students from across Serbia, who have spent days walking to the capital, arrive ahead of tomorrow's protests.
Reposted by Antoinette Nikolova
✨🎄🇭🇺🇸🇰
(made with Grok 2 AI)
(made with Grok 2 AI)
December 26, 2024 at 9:10 PM
✨🎄🇭🇺🇸🇰
(made with Grok 2 AI)
(made with Grok 2 AI)
Is it happy hour in the Kremlin?
December 18, 2024 at 11:23 PM
Is it happy hour in the Kremlin?
🚨 Disturbing reports from Serbia: Journalists and activists are being surveilled using spyware, echoing the scandal in Greece.
securitylab.amnesty.org/latest/2024/...
securitylab.amnesty.org/latest/2024/...
December 16, 2024 at 3:04 PM
🚨 Disturbing reports from Serbia: Journalists and activists are being surveilled using spyware, echoing the scandal in Greece.
securitylab.amnesty.org/latest/2024/...
securitylab.amnesty.org/latest/2024/...
Following the money trail of #disinformation.
Stay tuned for the Tuesday launch of the report 'Defunding Disinformation in the Balkans: How International Brands Support Russia’s Agenda.' Brands from #Germany, #US, #UK, #France, and other countries are channeling millions of $$$...
Stay tuned for the Tuesday launch of the report 'Defunding Disinformation in the Balkans: How International Brands Support Russia’s Agenda.' Brands from #Germany, #US, #UK, #France, and other countries are channeling millions of $$$...
December 2, 2023 at 5:16 PM
Following the money trail of #disinformation.
Stay tuned for the Tuesday launch of the report 'Defunding Disinformation in the Balkans: How International Brands Support Russia’s Agenda.' Brands from #Germany, #US, #UK, #France, and other countries are channeling millions of $$$...
Stay tuned for the Tuesday launch of the report 'Defunding Disinformation in the Balkans: How International Brands Support Russia’s Agenda.' Brands from #Germany, #US, #UK, #France, and other countries are channeling millions of $$$...