Strengthening EU instruments to safeguard journalism and media pluralism

• Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies
• CMPF: Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom Programme
• Tech

What happens when ruling politicians, who are designated to provide and protect an enabling environment for journalism, are the ones who make the conditions for journalists more difficult or even dangerous? This event seeks to discuss this challenge and the need for stronger European instruments to protect journalism when member states fall short in doing so

In October 2023, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the Rule of Law in Malta: 6 years after the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and the need to protect journalists. In it, the Members of the European Parliament once again expressed concern about the limited progress in the ongoing judicial proceedings on the murder of Caruana Galizia as there have only been three low-level convictions and that the mastermind behind the assassination has not been convicted yet. The resolution further contains a call for the EU institutions and the Member States to ensure the safety and protection of journalists and media professionals, as a prerequisite for media pluralism and a healthy democracy.

For a decade, the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom has been implementing the Media Pluralism Monitor in EU member states and candidate countries to map and monitor the evolution of risks to media freedom and pluralism across the dimensions of fundamental right and protections, market conditions, political independence and social inclusiveness. The Monitor, which informs the media pluralism section of the Rule of Law reports, indicates that many of the conditions for media and journalism have worsened over time across Europe. It is especially problematic when ruling politicians, who are designated to provide and protect an enabling environment for journalism, are the ones who make the conditions for journalists and journalism more difficult or even dangerous.

By analysing the situation in Malta, Poland and other EU countries, this session will discuss the potential and strength of the proposed European Media Freedom Act and anti-SLAPP (Strategic lawsuits against public participation) directive, as both are in the final stage of negotiations between the key EU institutions.

Online participants can connect through this Zoom meeting (Meeting ID: 937 9479 6338 Passcode: 230264)