The European Union marked World Press Freedom Day on May 3 with a call for governments worldwide to strengthen legal protections for journalists against abusive lawsuits and judicial harassment.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, speaking on behalf of the EU, condemned the growing intimidation and repression of journalists by authoritarian regimes worldwide, reaffirming the bloc’s commitment to defending the free press.
“Democracy cannot exist without a free press. Independent media is a cornerstone of any democratic society. Access to media, along with freedom of expression, are not ‘nice to haves,’ they are fundamental human rights,” she said, in a statement published by the EU Consilium.
Journalists face growing risks in conflict zones
The EU pointed to the escalating dangers faced by journalists on the ground, particularly in conflict zones.
It highlighted the violence against journalists in Russia’s war against Ukraine and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, especially in Gaza and Lebanon.
They also noted that 2025 was the “deadliest year for journalists worldwide ever recorded.”
It called for thorough investigations into the killings of journalists and media professionals and for those responsible to be held accountable.
“International law is clear: journalists must be protected at all times. They must be able to carry out their work freely, without undue interference, fear of violence, harassment, intimidation, persecution or expulsion.“
“This is especially critical in conflict zones, where journalists shed light on the realities of war, including atrocities and potential war crimes,” said Kallas.
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Record killings, decline of global press freedom
Last month, a report by the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs’ Costs of War project found that Israeli troops have killed 232 Palestinian journalists since October 2023, making the war on Gaza the deadliest conflict for media workers ever documented.
The report also found that more journalists have died in Gaza than in all of the world wars, the Vietnam War, the conflicts in Yugoslavia and the United States war in Afghanistan put together.
Only last week, the top press freedom organisation in Paris, Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF), also known as Reporters Without Borders, discovered that press freedom worldwide had reached its lowest point in 25 years, AFP reported.
EU urges legal safeguards against judicial harassment
Amid this “shocking reality” of worldwide persecution of journalists, the EU urged governments to do more to protect them.
“Governments must set a solid legal framework to protect their journalists from abusive court proceedings.
“Cutting networks of foreign correspondents today only leaves a greater void for dangerous unverified information to circulate,” it said.
Furthermore, it noted that tactics such as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), online harassment and arbitrary detention are fostering a climate of fear and self-censorship among media workers.
The bloc also highlighted the gender-based violence faced by women journalists, particularly in online spaces.
Reiterating their “resolute” commitment to press freedom, the EU expressed their support for independent journalists and platforms through organisations like the European Endowment for Democracy.
“The EU supports the vital UN efforts to protect journalists and media workers globally, including by working together with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).”
“Also, at the regional level, the EU works with other organisations, such as the Council of Europe and the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe), to uphold the rights of journalists and the freedom of the media,” it said.
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Vatican joins call to defend press freedom
Meanwhile, in the Vatican, Pope Leo also gave tribute to journalists who were killed in conflict zones.
In Saint Peter’s Square, the pontiff concluded his weekly Sunday prayer by stating that the day emphasised the value of independent journalism as well as the increasing dangers that journalists face.
“Today we celebrate World Press Freedom Day … unfortunately, this right is often violated, sometimes in blatant ways, sometimes in more hidden forms,” Pope Leo said, as reported by Agence France-Presse.
“We remember the many journalists and reporters who have been victims of war and violence,” he added.
The head of the Catholic Church has stated in previous sermons that information is a public good that needs to be protected and conserved and that journalism is a cornerstone of society and democracy.
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