To mark Press Freedom Day on Tuesday 3 May, MEPs discuss with the European Commission how to address the threats faced by journalists and enhance media freedom. Over the last few years, Parliament has warned about attempts both in the EU and beyond to undermine media pluralism. MEPs have denounced the attacks on journalists, particularly from politicians, and called on the Commission to table legislation against abusive lawsuits. Introductory remarks by Roberta METSOLA, EP President. This transcript is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

freedom of press and media (T)

joint debate

Daphne Caruana Galizia prize for journalism (T)

Threats to the safety of journalists and media freedom in Europe, on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day: Introductory remarks by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Colleagues, good morning. A short statement from my end, because today is World Press Freedom Day. The European Parliament has always sought to defend and promote a strong and free press, free press in Europe and beyond. And our position has always been and will always be on the side of the truth, on the side of the truth seekers.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Journalists should never have to choose between uncovering the truth and staying alive. They should never be forced to spend years and savings to argue against vexatious lawsuits of slaps. So today on World Press Freedom Day, we launched a second edition of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prise for journalism, a prize named after a journalist assassinated for speaking the truth.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, And in her memory, we support those who promote and defend core European values and seek to establish the truth through outstanding journalism. I am proud that this Parliament stands up for what we believe in. I am proud that we match our rhetoric with action today and every day, because a strong democracy needs a strong press. And we know that there can be no democracy without freedom of the press.