Junior Eurovision 2025: journalists stripped of accreditation for the first time.

According to inkorr.com: The organizers announced that the Junior Eurovision 2025 will take place in Tbilisi without special accreditation for media, bloggers, and fans. Journalists will not be able to coordinate interviews with artists through delegations.

"Journalists are encouraged 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 wishing to attend the competition will need to purchase tickets after sales begin. 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 with media accreditation at Junior Eurovision 2025 reflects the overall trend in the country regarding restrictions for media and international observers. In Georgia, there are laws that complicate access for foreign journalists to official events.

Georgia already has serious laws and initiatives that limit freedom of speech and media activities.

There is also a proposed law that requires media registration as an "organization pursuing the interests of a foreign state" for those receiving funding from abroad. The "Georgian Dream" party supports these legislative changes, considering them necessary for "transparency" and reducing "foreign influence".

The absence of accreditation for media at Junior Eurovision 2025 in Tbilisi, combined with the restrictions in Georgia, illustrates the escalation of the issue of freedom of speech and access to information in the country. This may impact the objectivity of event coverage and the role of journalists in reflecting the realities of Georgia and beyond.