The organizers announced that the Junior Eurovision-2025 will take place in Tbilisi without special accreditation for journalists, bloggers, and fans. Journalists will not be able to coordinate interviews with artists through delegations.
"Journalists are advised to contact the head of the media department or the relevant contact person from each delegation to request interviews with individual artists," the organizers stated.
It was also noted that fans who want to see the competition in person will have to buy tickets after the sale begins. The final of the Junior Eurovision-2025 will take place on December 13 in Tbilisi. This is the first case where press accreditation is absent at such an event.
Media Restrictions in Georgia
The situation regarding media accreditation for Junior Eurovision-2025 corresponds to the overall trend in the country regarding restrictions for media and foreign observers. In Georgia, there are laws that complicate the access of foreign journalists to official events.
In Georgia, there are already serious laws and initiatives that restrict freedom of speech and media operations.
A law is being considered that requires registration as "an organization pursuing the interests of a foreign state" for media that receive funding from abroad. The "Georgian Dream" party supports these legislative changes, calling them necessary for "transparency" and reducing "foreign influence."
In light of the announced absence of press accreditation for the Junior Eurovision-2025 in Tbilisi and the restrictions for media in Georgia, it becomes clear that the situation regarding freedom of speech and access to information in the country is escalating. This may impact the objectivity of media reporting and the role of journalists in covering events taking place in Georgia and beyond.