19 media freedom organizations have come together to call for an end to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) funding crisis. More than 250 days have passed since STA last received state funding for carrying out its public service mission.

In a joint statement issued today, the organizations ask Slovenia's Government Communication Office (UKOM) and the government of Prime Minister Janša to immediately end the economic suffocation of the STA and take steps to ensure sustainable funding before its collapse. This will involve making a genuine effort to compromise on the most concerning elements of the agreement and creating a contract which safeguards both the STA’s financing and its independence.

The statement also calls on the European Commission to redouble its efforts to engage with the country’s leadership to end the crisis.