I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU and its Member States. 

On this year’s World Press Freedom Day, the European Union reaffirms its unwavering commitment to free, independent, and pluralistic media as an essential condition for upholding democracy and human rights. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, a record 124 journalists were killed in 2024. We must underline: journalists are civilians, in conflict situations their work helps keep other civilians safe, and they must not be targeted. Combined with this, far too often journalists are facing attacks that might be physical, online, legal or reputational in nature. CPJ also reported that at least 361 journalists were incarcerated as of December 1st, 2024.

Amid growing threats to press freedom, including political interference, funding cuts, and the misuse of technology, this year’s theme on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), underscores the urgent need to harness technological opportunities responsibly while addressing  risks to independent, public interest journalism. In strong partnership with the Council of Europe, the EU has been at the forefront of safeguarding press freedom across the continent.

A pivotal achievement is the European Media Freedom Act adopted in May 2024. This legislation establishes a comprehensive framework to protect media independence and pluralism across our Member States. The Act introduces measures to prevent political interference, protect journalists from surveillance, and promote transparency in media ownership. Developed in harmony with the Council of Europe’s standards, notably its 2018 Recommendation on media pluralism and transparency, the Act safeguards media freedom and fosters media plurality across Europe. 

Our collaboration with the Council of Europe has been instrumental in combating Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). In 2024, the EU adopted target legislation against SLAPPs, giving effect to the Council’s 2024 Recommendation to counter such legal harassment. This collaboration supports Member States in adopting robust protections, ensuring that journalists can engage in public debate without fear. Together, we also promote the “Journalists Matter” campaign, with several EU countries implementing national action plans inspired by the Council of Europe’s guidelines to enhance journalist safety and security.

The EU – Council of Europe partnership strengthens press freedom in challenging contexts. Through EU initiatives like the SafeJournalists platform in the Western Balkans, co-developed with Council of Europe expertise, we provide critical resources to journalists. These efforts, reinforced by the Council’s Safety of Journalists Platform, demonstrate our shared commitment to protecting media professionals in conflict zones, including in Ukraine.

On the AI and disinformation front, the EU and the Council of Europe work hand-in-hand. Our European Digital Media Observatory and EUvsDisinfo platform, fortify defenses against information manipulation. Together, we empower journalists to leverage AI in contribution to press freedom and freedom of expression, and to preserve the integrity of public discourse. The EU has also adopted comprehensive regulation for AI that is aligned with Council of Europe’s newly adopted Framework Convention on AI. Both instruments share common principles and aim to ensure that AI development and use is consistent with our democratic values and human rights.

As we mark World Press Freedom Day 2025, the EU, alongside the Council of Europe, celebrates these shared achievements and reaffirm our commitment to addressing the growing challenges facing independent journalism in Europe and beyond. 

The following countries align with this statement: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Ukraine, United Kingdom.