B’rispons għat-theddid dejjem jikber għal-libertà tal-media u l-vijabbiltà finanzjarja tal-istabbilimenti tal-media, il-Parlament adotta qafas komuni għas-servizzi tal-media, magħruf bħala l-Att Ewropew dwar il-Libertà tal-Media. Dan hu tassew pass importanti, peress li l-att jipproteġi lill-ġurnalisti u lil min jaħdem fil-media, iħeġġeġ it-trasparenza fis-sjieda tal-media u jippromwovi l-kooperazzjoni internazzjonali biex jiġi żgurat ambjent medjatiku varjat u indipendenti.

L-Att tal-Unjoni Ewropea dwar il-Libertà tal-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

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 EP Delegation meets with Slovak journalists.

EP Delegation to Slovakia: meeting with Slovak journalists

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), Ryszard CZARNECKI (ECR,PL) and Marco VALLI (EFDD, IT). The delegation meets with anti-corruption NGOs.

EP Delegation to Slovakia: meeting with NGOs

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 EP Delegation meets with Andrej KISKA, President of the Slovak Republic.

EP Delegation to Slovakia: meeting with Andrej KISKA, President of the Slovak Republic and statement

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. Statement by Claude MORAES (S&D, UK), co-Chair of the EP Delegation

EP Delegation to Slovakia: statement by Claude MORAES (S&D, UK), co-Chair of the EP Delegation

During the EP plenary session (28/02-01/03 2018) in Brussels, MEPs debate on the request of immediate investigation following the murder of the Jan KUCIAK, Slovak journalist. Statements by Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), Udo BULLMANN (S&D, DE), Sven GIEGOLD (Greens/EFA, DE) and Antonio TAJANI, EP President.

Request of immediate investigation following the murder of the Jan KUCIAK, Slovak journalist: extracts from the MEPs statements

Antonio TAJANI, EP president opens the EP plenary session (28th February - 1st March 2018) in Brussels. He makes a statement on the murder of Jan KUCIAK, Slovak journalist and his partner. The statement is followed by a minute of silence.

EP plenary session: introductory remarks by Antonio TAJANI, EP President on the murder of Jan KUCIAK, Slovak journalist and minute of silence

Introductory remarks by Antonio TAJANI, EP President during the plenary session in Strasbourg (15-18/01/2018)

Introductory remarks by Antonio TAJANI, EP President

Antonio TAJANI, EP President, opens the EP plenary session (15-18 January 2018) in Strasbourg, expressing concern over repeated human rights violations in Turkey, and expressing full support of the European Parliament to Leila ZANA, 1995 Sakharov Prize.

Introductory remarks by Antonio TAJANI, EP President: extracts from the opening speech on Leila Zana, 1995 Sakharov Prize

Following the brutal murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese journalist noted for her work on corruption, MEPs vote on the rule of law in Malta, during the EP plenary session (13-16 November 2017) in Strasbourg. The results are: 466 in favour, 49 against and 167 abstentions.

The Rule of law in Malta: extracts from the vote

Live replay of the votes - EP Plenary session: Election of a Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament, Rule of law in Malta, Protection against dumped and subsidised imports, Eastern Partnership, The situation of the rule of law and democracy in Poland, Nomination of members of the Court of Auditors...

EP Plenary session - Votes

During the EP plenary session (13-16 November 2017) in Strasbourg, a ceremony in the presence of Antonio TAJANI, EP President, and Daphne Caruana Galizia’s family is held to officially name the European Parliament’s press conference room in Strasbourg in her honour. Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese journalist noted for her work on corruption has beeen murdered in October 2017. Statements by Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Christophe DELOIRE, Director of Reportors sans frontieres, and Peter CARUANA GALIZIA, Daphne's husband.

Inauguration of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Press room: extracts from the ceremony

During the EP plenary session (13-16 November 2017) in Strasbourg, a ceremony in the presence of Antonio TAJANI, EP President, and Daphne Caruana Galizia’s family is held to officially name the European Parliament’s press conference room in Strasbourg in her honour. Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese journalist noted for her work on corruption has been murdered in October 2017. Statements by Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Christophe Deloire, Secretary-General - Reporters Without Borders and Peter Caruana Galizia, widower of the journalist.

Inauguration of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Press room: ceremony in presence of Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Christophe Deloire, Secretary-General - Reporters Without Borders and Peter Caruana Galizia, widower of the journalist

Following the brutal murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese journalist noted for her work on corruption, MEPs debate on the rule of law in Malta, during the EP plenary session (13-16 November 2017) in Strasbourg. Statements by Frans TIMMERMANS, First Vice-President of the EC in charge of Better Regulation, Inter-Institutional Relations, the Rule of Law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, David CASA (EPP, MT), Miriam DALLI (S&D, MT), Maite PAGAZAURTUNDÚA RUIZ (ALDE, ES) and Eva JOLY (Greens/EFA, FR).

Rule of law in Malta: extracts from the debate

After the ceremony to officially name the European Parliament’s press conference room in Strasbourg in honour of Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese journalist noted for her work on corruption and murdered in October 2017, Antonio TAJANI, EP President, welcomes her family in the EP in Strasbourg.

Antonio TAJANI, EP President welcomes the family of Daphne Caruana Galizia: arrival and roundtable

Antonio TAJANI, EP President attends the funeral of Daphne Caruana Galizia, Maltese journalist murdered on the 16th October.

Antonio TAJANI, EP President at the funeral of Daphne Caruana Galizia, Maltese journalist murdered on the 16th October

During the EP plenary session (23-26 October) in Strasbourg,, MEPs discuss media freedom and protection for journalists, following the brutal murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese journalist noted for her work on the Panama papers and corruption. Statements by Matti MAASIKAS, Estonian Deputy Minister for EU Affairs, Frans TIMMERMANS, First Vice-President of the EC in charge of Better Regulation, Inter-Institutional Relations, the Rule of Law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS (EPP, ES), Gianni PITTELLA (S&D, IT), Monica MACOVEI (ECR, RO) and Sophia IN'T VELD (ALDE, NL).

Protection of journalists and the defence of media freedom in Malta; the case of Daphne Caruana Galizia: extracts from the debate

Visit of the family of Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese journalist noted for her work on the Panama papers and corruption and murdered in Malta, to the EP in Strasbourg. Meeting with Antonio TAJANI, EP President, Antonio TAJANI, EP President homage speech and minute of silence during the EP plenary session (23-26 October 2017). Strasbourg press room is now called Daphne Caruana Galizia

Homage to Daphne Caruana Galizia: Antonio TAJANI, EP President meets with the family, extracts from Antonio TAJANI, EP President homage speech, minute of silence and naming of Strasbourg press room

Antonio TAJANI, EP President makes a statement one year after the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, Maltese journalist, in the EP Plenary session in Strasbourg. MEPs observe a minute of silece in her memory.

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