The Council adopted a law to protect persons who speak out on matters of public interest against abusive lawsuits meant to silence them. Persons targeted by so called strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP), typically journalists and human rights defenders, will benefit from a number of procedural safeguards and measures. These safeguards and measures will […]
#EUinMyRegion Media Trips
The #EUinMyRegion Media Trips is a study programme open for local and regional journalists from the European Union. The journalists completing the programme will have a better understanding of EU policies and in particular of Cohesion Policy and connect with fellow journalists from other EU countries and regions. The programme will include an online training (2 hours) two […]
Council agrees stronger press freedom and free speech protection
EU member states have reached a common position (general approach) on a draft law which will protect journalists and human rights defenders against manifestly unfounded claims or abusive court proceedings. Such so-called strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) are an increasing phenomenon to silence people who speak out on issues of public interest. The draft […]
Further actions to protect journalists and media professionals
Against the backdrop of increasing threats to journalists and thus impediments to freedom of expression and freedom to inform, the Council today approved conclusions on the protection and safety of journalists and media professionals. Member states call on the Commission to strengthen funding for independent and investigative journalism and take into account online safety and […]
European public consultation on Media Freedom Act
The Commission has published an open public consultation on the upcoming European Media Freedom Act, a landmark initiative announced by President von der Leyen in her 2021 State of the Union address to safeguard the pluralism and independence of the media in the EU internal market. This follows a call for evidence published on 21 December 2021 outlining the main aims of […]