An organization based in Paris has released the 2026 global index. According to the report, press freedom is problematic or in a very serious state in nearly 75 percent of the world's countries.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF), headquartered in Paris, presented the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, covering 180 countries. According to the index, Uzbekistan was again listed among the countries where serious restrictions in the media environment persist.
The organization noted that the situation worldwide is worsening, stating that more than half of the countries fall into the "difficult" or "very serious situation" categories. The top ranks of the rating are traditionally led by Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands. At the bottom is Eritrea, where the strictest restrictions on the media are in effect.
Different dynamics are observed in the post-Soviet region: Russia dropped to 172nd place, Belarus is in 165th place, and Turkmenistan is recorded at 173rd position. Meanwhile, Moldova rose to 31st place, Ukraine climbed to 55th place, Armenia improved its results, and Georgia dropped to 135th place.
According to RSF, increased pressure on journalists, restrictions through legislation, and threats to the safety of media workers remain the main factors behind the global decline.
