Le crescenti minacce alla libertà e alla sopravvivenza economica dei mezzi d'informazione hanno spinto il Parlamento europeo ad adottare una normativa comune nota come legge europea per la libertà dei media. È un grande traguardo, perché la legge tutela giornalisti e operatori dei media, incoraggia la trasparenza della proprietà e promuove la cooperazione internazionale per garantire diversificazione e indipendenza nel settore.

La legge europea per la libertà dei media

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

During the plenary session (24-25 March 2021) at the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs debate the Assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and the rule of law in Malta: Opening statements by Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency. (This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery).

Assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and the rule of law in Malta: opening statements by Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (08-11 March 2021), MEPs debate on the Government attempts to silence free media in Poland, Hungary and Slovenia.

Government attempts to silence free media in Poland, Hungary and Slovenia: MEPs debate (part 2)

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (08-11 March 2021), MEPs debate on the Government attempts to silence free media in Poland, Hungary and Slovenia: closing statements by Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs and by Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission.

Government attempts to silence free media in Poland, Hungary and Slovenia: closing statements by Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs and by Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission

Slovenian journalists face widespread online harassment and threats, while reports that public and private media are subject to political interference keep emerging. This infoclip shows illustration shots of the City of Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Slovenian media landscape (Slovenian Press Agency, newspapers, National TV station...).

Infoclip: Freedom of the press - Slovenia

Government attempts to silence free media in Poland, Hungary and Slovenia: MEPs debate (part 1)

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (08-11 March 2021), MEPs debate on the Government attempts to silence free media in Poland, Hungary and Slovenia: opening statements by Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs and by Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission (transcription made by authomated system, please check against delivery).

Government attempts to silence free media in Poland, Hungary and Slovenia: opening statements by Ana Paula ZACARIAS, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs and by Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (8-11 March 2021), MEPs debate Government attempts to silence free media in Poland, Hungary and Slovenia. Extracts from the debate. Statements from ZACARIAS Ana Paula, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs and President in office of the Council of the EU, JOUROVÁ Věra, Vice-President of the EC in charge of Values and Transparency, and from MEPs: Jeroen LENAERS (EPP, NL), Birgit SIPPEL (S&D, DE), Michal ŠIMEČKA (Renew, SK), Gwendoline DELBOS-CORFIELD (Greens/EFA, FR), Raffaele FITTO (ECR, IT) and Robert BIEDROŃ (S&D, PL).

Government attempts to silence free media in Poland, Hungary and Slovenia: extracts from the debate

During the remote plenary session (23-26/11/2020) of the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs debate and vote on strengthening media freedom, focusing particularly on political interference, the protection of journalists, threats such as the proliferation of hate speech and disinformation, and the role of internet platforms. They fear that media pluralism is at risk in several EU member states and warn of the increasing pressure and harassment faced by journalists. The results of the vote are: 553 in favour, 54 against, 89 abstentions.

Strengthening Media Freedom; the Protection of Journalists in Europe, Hate Speech, Disinformation and the Role of Platforms: extracts from the debate (23/11) and from the vote on the report Magdalena ADAMOWICZ (EPP, PL)

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (11 -13 November 2020), David SASSOLI, EP President, makes his opening remarks and minute of silence for the victims of terrorism. The following transcription is the result of an automatic process. Check Against delivery.

Resumption of session and order of business: opening remark by David SASSOLI, EP President. Minute of silence for the victims of terrorism

Statements by Matthew CARUANA GALIZIA, David CASA, EP Quaestor and Heidi HAUTALA, EP Vice-President on the launch a new annual Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism, rewarding outstanding journalism centred on the EU’s principles and values, on 16 October, the date that Daphne Caruana Galizia, the Maltese anti-corruption investigative journalist and blogger, was killed in a car bomb attack in 2017.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Award presentation: statements by Matthew CARUANA GALIZIA, David CASA, EP Quaestor and Heidi HAUTALA, EP Vice-President

This Infoclip illustrates general views of the City of Valletta, the Maltese Parliament, the Court of Justice, Maltese broadcasters, the Newsrooms of the 'Malta Independent' and the 'Times of Malta' where Daphne Caruana Galizia worked, a monument in honour of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Statements by the chief editors of both newspapers on Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Infoclip: Freedom of the press - illustration shots of the City of Valletta (Malta) and statements by the chief editors of the newspapers Daphne Caruana Galizia worked for

David SASSOLI, EP President, makes a speech on the occasion the International Democracy Day 2020.

Speech by David SASSOLI, EP President, on the occasion the International Democracy Day 2020

‘Fake news’ and disinformation – information deliberately manipulated with the aim of fooling people – have become an increasingly visible global phenomenon. Social media and their personalisation tools have made it easier to spread bogus stories. They often use emotions to capture attention and generate clicks, for economic or ideological reasons. Even young, digital-savvy people find it difficult to identify manipulated news. Significantly, six in ten news items shared on social media were not even read first by the user who shared them. Some 85 % of Europeans see ‘fake news’ as a problem in their own country, and 83 % view it as a problem for democracy in general. This compass will help you navigate the ocean of information, and find your way through waves of lies and disinformation. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - How to spot when news is fake

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs discuss the effects of fighting the spread of COVID-19 on fundamental rights in the EU as well as the impact of disinformation campaigns by foreign actors trying to exploit uncertainty in society and people’s fears.

Tackling Covid-19 disinformation and the impact on freedom of expression: extracts from the debate

During the plenary session in the European Parliament in Brussels (17-19 June 2020), debate on Tackling Covid-19 disinformation and the impact on freedom of expression. Opening statements by Nikolina BRNJAC, Croatian Presidency; Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of a stronger Europe in the World and Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Tackling Covid-19 disinformation and the impact on freedom of expression: Opening statements by Nikolina BRNJAC, Croatian Presidency, Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, High Representative and VP of the EC and Vĕra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the EC

During the plenary session (13-16 January 2020) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, such as the case of imprisoned journalists in Burundi and the recent terrorist attacks in Nigeria. Statements by Ellie CHOWNS (Greens/EFA, UK), Maria ARENA (S&D, BE), Idoia VILLANUEVA RUIZ (GUE/NGL, ES), Jan-Christoph OETJEN (RE, DE), Assita KANKO (ECR, BE), Erik MARQUARDT (Greens/EFA, DE), Miguel URBÁN CRESPO (GUE/NGL, ES) and Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

Cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law: extracts from the debates

The Ad-hoc LIBE delegation to Malta presents its draft mission report to the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) of the European Parliament, in Brussels. Statements by Sophia IN'T VELD (RE, NL), Roberta METSOLA (EPP, MT), Birgit SIPPEL (S&D, DE), Assita KANKO (ECR, BE) and Sylwia SPUREK (S&D, PL).

Ad-hoc LIBE delegation to Malta, 2-4 December 2019: extacts from the presentation of a draft mission report

MEPs put to the vote a resolution on the investigation into Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder, the journalist and writer killed in 2017, and the political turmoil in Malta, during the plenary session (16-19 December 2019) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

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