EU Statement on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day (3 May 2026)

1. On the World Press Freedom Day 2026, the EU reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the protection of free, independent and pluralistic media, which remain fundamental to democratic governance and the effective protection of human rights. Press freedom and independent journalism are enablers of peace, resilience and democratic governance. Recent findings by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) show that 2025, for a second consecutive year, was the most dangerous year on record for journalists and media actors, with some 129 media professionals killed worldwide. Journalists are civilians and must not be targeted, particularly in situations of armed conflict, where their work is indispensable in informing the public and safeguarding civilian populations.

2. At the same time, journalists and media actors around the world continue to face threats ranging from physical attacks and online harassment to legal pressure and attempts to discredit their work. We have been witnessing a historic decline in press freedom for journalism and an expansion of increasingly restrictive legal measures that erode the right to information, even in democratic countries.

3. Press freedom is further challenged by evolving structural pressures, including political interference, economic constraints and the misuse of digital technologies. In this context, the rapid development of artificial intelligence is transforming the media ecosystem. While offering important opportunities for innovation in journalism, it also raises concerns related to disinformation, manipulation of content and increased exposure of journalists to new forms of risk. Ensuring that technological progress is responsible goes hand in hand with the protection of freedom of expression and media freedom remains essential.

4. Over the past year, the EU has taken forward the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act, strengthening safeguards for editorial independence, enhancing transparency in media ownership and reinforcing protections against undue interference and surveillance. At the same time, efforts to counter disinformation and foreign information manipulation have been further intensified, notably through support to initiatives such as the European Digital Media Observatory and EUvsDisinfo.

5. The EU has also continued to advance its response to Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), in line with the 2024 legislative framework, with a view to ensuring that journalists and media actors are shielded from abusive litigation. Initiatives have focused on improving the safety of journalists through targeted funding, capacity-building and cooperation programmes, particularly in high-risk environments.

6. The EU highly values its close cooperation with the Council of Europe in this domain. Since 2025, further progress has been made in implementing the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, helping to ensure that technological developments remain aligned with human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The Platform for the Safety of Journalists continues to provide an essential mechanism for monitoring threats and promoting accountability, while initiatives such as the “Journalists Matter” campaign have contributed to strengthening national protection frameworks. This year we also mark 10 years since the adoption of the Recommendation on the protection of journalism and safety of journalists and other media actors.

7. In a rapidly changing geopolitical context, our partnership remains a key pillar in advancing and defending press freedom across Europe and beyond. Our joint efforts continue to support journalists operating in difficult and often dangerous conditions, while reinforcing resilience against disinformation and hybrid threats.

8. We renew our determination to protect media freedom, ensure the safety of journalists and uphold democratic values in an increasingly complex global landscape.

The following countries aligned with this statement: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Ukraine and United Kingdom.