В отговор на нарастващите заплахи за свободата и финансовата жизнеспособност на медиите Парламентът прие обща рамка за медийните услуги, известна като Европейски законодателен акт за свободата на медиите. Това е стъпка от първостепенна важност, която защитава журналистите и работещите в медиите, насърчава прозрачността на собствеността върху медиите и стимулира международното сътрудничество с цел осигуряването на разнообразен и независим медиен пейзаж.

Европейски законодателен акт за свободата на медиите

Lost in Europe on Wednesday won the 2024 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism for its investigation into the disappearance of over 50 000 unaccompanied child migrants. The investigation, run by media from Germany, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland and the UK revealed that at least 51 433 unaccompanied child migrants disappeared after arriving in European countries between 2021 and 2023. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, Pina Picierno, Vice-President responsible for the Prize, and representatives of the independent European-wide Jury of the Prize participated in the award ceremony held in the European Parliament’s Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Room in Strasbourg.

President Metsola said: "Daphne Caruana Galizia’s legacy continues through the work of journalists who live to tell the truth and refuse to be silenced. Their fight for justice prevails over the threats that try to undermine their important work. Press freedom is non-negotiable. Seven years after Daphne’s assassination, we continue to honour her memory with a prize that reminds us of this Parliament’s long-standing commitment to these fundamental values”.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism

The European Parliament has repeatedly advocated press freedom and media pluralism in the EU and abroad.&nbsp; World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the&nbsp;Declaration of Windhoek&nbsp;is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.

Already in 2018 the EP adopted a resolution on media pluralism and media freedom in the EU, noting the political developments in various members states, that have led to increased pressures on and threats against journalists.&nbsp; The European Parliament has also&nbsp;launched the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.&nbsp;

The prize commends outstanding journalism revolving around the principles and values of the European Union. On the field of legislation, Parliament wants to reinforce protection of journalists and activists in the EU against unfounded and abusive lawsuits aimed to silence them.&nbsp;

MEPs also gave their final green light to new legislation to protect EU journalists and media from political or economic interference during the March Plenary session.

Under the new law, adopted by 464 votes in favour to 92 against and 65 abstentions, member states will be obliged to protect media independence and all forms of interventions in editorial decisions will be banned.

More info:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19014/media-freedom-act-a-new-bill-to-protect-eu-journalists-and-press-freedom">https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR19014/media-freedom-act-a-new-bill-to-protect-eu-journalists-and-press-freedom</a>

Press freedom

On the 16th October 2017, the Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bomb explosion. Ms Caruana Galizia gave to the Committee of Inquiry into Money Laundering, Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion (PANA) evidence about her work on the Panama Papers at a meeting in February 2017 in Malta.

Every day journalists risk their lives to help keep us informed. Freedom of Press is considered to be an essential element of democracy by the European Parliament, which strongly supports it within the EU and beyond. Article 11 of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights clearly states that “freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected”.

Press freedom in Malta

Every day journalists risk their lives to help keep us informed.

Freedom of Press is considered to be an essential element of democracy by the European Parliament, which strongly supports it within the EU and beyond. Article 11 of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights clearly states that “freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected”.

Press freedom in the EU - 8th Parliamentary term

Press freedom in Malta (2019-2020)

Recent scandals, from LuxLeaks (2014) to Panama Papers (2016), have demonstrated how important whistle-blowers’ revelations are to detect and prevent breaches of EU law harmful to the public interest and the welfare of society. Lack of effective whistle-blower protection at EU level can also negatively impact the functioning of EU policies in a member state, but can also spill over to other countries and the EU as a whole.

On 11 March 2019 the European Parliament and the Member States reached a provisional agreement that covers a wide reach of areas of EU law, including anti-money laundering and corporate taxation, data protection, protection of the Union's financial interests, food and product safety and environmental protection and nuclear safety. Further, Member States are encouraged o establish comprehensive legal framework to protect whistleblowers (whistle-blowers) in other areas. The new rules, approved by EU ministers on 25 September 2019, have been signed by the EP on 23 October 2019 and published in the Official Journal on 26 November 2019. Member states will then have two years to comply with such rules.

See more on this topic by visiting our <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/protection-of-whistleblowers-8th-parliamentary-term_9901_pk">package</a> for the 8th parliamentary term.

Protection of whistleblowers

Disinformation campaigns are a threat to the proper functioning of democracies. The Parliament is committed to ensuring people are able to access reliable information.

Elements of disinformation and propaganda are that such information (i) is designed to be wholly or partly false, manipulated or misleading, or uses unethical persuasion techniques; (ii) regards an issue of public interest; (iii) has the intention to generate insecurity, hostility or polarisation, or attempts to disrupt democratic processes; (iv) and is disseminated and/or amplified through automated and aggressive techniques, such as social bots, artificial intelligence (AI), micro-targeting or paid human 'trolls’, often used to boost public visibility.

Fight against disinformation (2019-2020)

Every day journalists risk their lives to help keep us informed.

Freedom of Press is considered to be an essential element of democracy by the European Parliament, which strongly supports it within the EU and beyond. Article 11 of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights clearly states that “freedom and pluralism of the media shall be respected”.

Press freedom in the EU (2019- 2020)

MEPs debate the situation of  European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. According to the Council of Europe, at least sixteen journalists and media workers have been killed since February 2022 in the line of duty or because of their work, and at least forty have been injured.

Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

MEPs will engage in a debate with the Commission focused on media pluralism, independent journalism and on combating the rising tide of disinformation. With fake news and coordinated disinformation campaigns increasingly used as tools for political interference the urgency of this discussion is heightened by recent incidents surrounding the June 2024 European elections and various national elections. The surge in disinformation has also been exacerbated by significant events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Ursula von der Leyen announced the introduction of a new European Democracy Shield aimed at countering foreign information manipulation.

The European Parliament has taken proactive steps to safeguard citizens from disinformation and foreign interference through legislative measures like the anti-SLAPP directive and the Media Freedom Act. The latter aims to protect editorial freedom from political interference while offering enhanced safeguards for journalists and their sources. The EU's broader strategy seeks to address the challenges posed by disinformation by strengthening cooperation among member states, enhancing accountability for online platforms, and establishing a robust regulatory framework under the Digital Services Act. This comprehensive approach aims to preserve democratic integrity and foster public trust amidst an increasingly complex information landscape.

Facing fake news, populism and disinformation in the EU

Press conference by Sabine VERHEYEN (EPP, DE), rapporteur on European Media Freedom Act

Press conference on European Media Freedom Act

Daphne Caruana Galizia prize press seminar on Safeguarding Media Freedom

EP Plenary session - Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta

EP Plenary session - Protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

EP Plenary session - Facing fake news, populism and disinformation in the EU - the importance of public broadcasting, media pluralism and independent journalism

EP Plenary session - European Media Freedom Act

Press conference on New EU rules ensuring protection for journalists and media outlets from strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs)

EP Plenary session - Voting session

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Rule of Law and Media freedom in Greece

Press conference on Trilogue deal on new anti-SLAPP rules

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Rule of Law in Malta: 6 years after the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and the need to protect journalists

Press conference on European Media Freedom act - Parliament’s position

Conference ' Western Balkans Media Lost in Disinformation ? '

EP Plenary session - Topical debate - The erosion of the rule of law in Greece: the wiretapping scandal and media freedom

EP Plenary session - The Rule of Law in Malta, five years after the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia

EP Plenary session - Resumption of session and order of business

World Press Freedom Day - Statement by Matthew CARUANA GALIZIA

Live replay of the debate on the report: Barbara SPINELLI (A8-0144/2018) - Media pluralism and media freedom in the EU, during the plenary session in Brussels.

EP Plenary session - Debate on the report on media pluralism and media freedom in the EU (22:20 - 22:43)

During the EP plenary session (16-19 April 2018) in Strasbourg, MEPs vote on a resolution and call for a thorough independent investigation and better EU protection for whistle blowers to wrap-up the March plenary debate on the murder of Slovac investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová, press freedom and how to ensure the safety of journalists. Statements by Ivan ŠTEFANEC (EPP, SK) and Sophia IN'T VELD (ALDE, NL).

Protection of investigative journalists in Europe; the case of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová: extracts from the vote (debate 14/03)

During the EP plenary session (16- 19 April 2018) in Strasbourg, last minute briefing

Last minute briefing

Violence towards and pressure on journalists, worsening economic and working conditions in the media, fake news and net neutrality are among the topics examined in a report on media freedom, voted by MEPs during the meeting of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) in the EP in Brussels. The results are: 44 in favour, 3 votes against and 4 abstentions. Statements by Barbara SPINELLI (GUE/NGL, IT), Rapporteur.

Media pluralism and media freedom in the European Union: extracts from the vote and statement by Barbara SPINELLI (GUE/NGL, IT), Rapporteur

The findings of a delegation of MEPs who visited Slovakia on 8‑9 March to look into the situation on the ground about te murder of Ján Kuciak, are debated in the Civil Liberties (LIBE) and Budget Control (CONT) committees in the EP in Brussels. This will feed into a resolution to be voted on during the 16‑19 April plenary session in Strasbourg. Statements by Claude MORAES (S&D, UK), Ingeborg GRÄSSLE (EPP, DE), Roberta METSOLA (EPP, MT) and Benedek JÁVOR (Greens/EFA, HU).

Exchange of views on the follow-up of the fact finding mission: extracts from the statements by Ingeborg GRÄSSLE (EPP, DE) and Claude MORAES (S&D, UK)

During the EP plenary session (12 - 15 March 2018) in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on press freedom and the safety of journalists in the EU, following the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová. MEPs also discuss Ján Kuciak’s revelations about alleged misuse of EU funds in Slovakia and potential links between organised crime groups and Slovak politicians. Statements by Monika PANAYOTOVA, Deputy Minister for the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, Julian KING, Member of the EC in charge of the Security Union, Ivan ŠTEFANEC (EPP, SK), Claude MORAES (S&D, UK), Branislav ŠKRIPEK (ECR, SK), Sophia IN'T VELD (ALDE, NL) and Benedek JÁVOR (Greens/EFA, HU). Illustrative shots of the EP Delegation visit to Slovakia

Protection of investigative journalists in Europe, the case of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová: extracts from the debate and illustrative shots of the EP Delegation visit to Slovakia

Live Replay of the EP Plenary session - Protection of investigative journalists in Europe: the case of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová - Opening statements

(01) EP Plenary session - Protection of investigative journalists in Europe: the case of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová - First round of political group speakers (16:17 - 16:35)

(02) EP Plenary session - Protection of investigative journalists in Europe: the case of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová - Opening statement by Julian KING, Member of the EC in charge of the Security Union (16:09 - 16:17)

(01) EP Plenary session - Protection of investigative journalists in Europe: the case of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová - Opening statement by Monika PANAYOTOVA, Bulgarian Presidency (16:05 - 16:09)

Live Replay of the EP Plenary session - Protection of investigative journalists in Europe: the case of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová - Closing statements

(02) EP Plenary session - Protection of investigative journalists in Europe: the case of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová - Closing statement by Monika PANAYOTOVA, Bulgarian Presidency (17:38 - 17:40)

(01) EP Plenary session - Protection of investigative journalists in Europe: the case of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová - Closing statement by Julian KING, Member of the EC in charge of the Security Union (17:35 - 17:38)

(02) EP Plenary session - Protection of investigative journalists in Europe: the case of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová - Second round of political group speakers (16:35 - 17:35)

Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), EPP Group Leader, speaks to the press during the EP plenary session (12 - 15 March 2018) in Strasbourg.

Press briefing by Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), EPP Group Leader - EPP press briefing

An ad-hoc delegation of six MEPs leaves for a two-day fact-finding mission in Slovakia, following the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée. Statements by Ingeborg GRÄSSLE (EPP, DE), co-Chair, and Claude MORAES (S&D, UK), co-Chair.

EP Delegation to Slovakia: extracts from the final press conference

An ad-hoc delegation of six MEPs leaves for a two-day fact-finding mission in Slovakia, following the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée. Claude MORAES meets with the opposition leaders: Pavel Nechala (Together), Pál Csáky (Party of the Hungarian Community), Alojz Hlina (Christian Democratic Movement), Igor Matovič (Ordinary People and Independent Personalities), Richard Sulík (Freedom and Solidarity).

EP Delegation to Slovakia: meeting with leaders of the opposition

An ad-hoc delegation of six MEPs leaves for a two-day fact-finding mission in Slovakia, following the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée. The delegation will be composed of the following MEPs from 6 different political groups: Ingeborg GRÄSSLE (EPP, DE), co-Chair, Claude MORAES (S&D, UK), co-Chair, Ryszard CZARNECKI (ECR, PL) Sophia in 't VELD (ALDE, NL) Benedek JÁVOR (Greens/EFA, HU) and Marco VALLI (EFDD, IT). The Delegation visit Veľká Mača, Slovakia, attends a commemorating event in front of the House of Jan Kuciak in the presence of Mayor of Veľká Mača, speaks to the press.

EP Delegation to Slovakia: visit to Veľká Mača, Slovakia, commemorating event in front of the House of Jan Kuciak in the presence of Mayor of Veľká Mača

An ad-hoc delegation of six MEPs leaves for a two-day fact-finding mission in Slovakia, following the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée. The delegation meets with Slovak police representatives: Pavol Vorobjov, Director of Slovak Financial Intelligence Unit, Peter Hraško, Director of Slovak National Criminal Agency, Tibor Gašpar, President of the Police, Jaroslav Paľov, Bureau of International Police Co-operation of the Police Presidium of the Slovak Republic, with Lucia ŽITŇANSKÁ, Slovakian Minister of Justice, and Jaromír ČIŽNÁR, General Prosecutor.

EP Delegation to Slovakia: meeting with Lucia ŽITŇANSKÁ, Slovakian Minister of Justice and with Jaromír ČIŽNÁR, General Prosecutor

An ad-hoc delegation of six MEPs leaves for a two-day fact-finding mission in Slovakia, following the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée. The delegation will be composed of the following MEPs from 6 different political groups: Ingeborg GRÄSSLE (EPP, DE), co-Chair, Claude MORAES (S&D, UK), co-Chair, Ryszard CZARNECKI (ECR, PL) Sophia in 't VELD (ALDE, NL) Benedek JÁVOR (Greens/EFA, HU) and Marco VALLI (EFDD, IT). The delegation meets with Peter KAŽIMÍR, Minister of Finance, Peter PELLEGRINI, Deputy Prime Minister for Investment and Informatization and Robert FICO, Slovakian Prime Minister

EP Delegation to Slovakia: meeting with Peter KAŽIMÍR, Minister of Finance, Peter PELLEGRINI, Deputy Prime Minister for Investment and Informatization and Robert FICO, Slovakian Prime Minister

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