Media freedom across the European Union is facing significant challenges and is “perilously close to breaking point” in several countries, according to a report released by the Berlin-based Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties). The report, compiled with 37 rights groups in 19 countries, highlights alarming trends of threats against journalists and attacks on the independence of public broadcasters.
Eva Simon, the senior advocacy officer at Liberties, stated that media freedom is declining across the EU, often as a result of deliberate harm or neglect by national governments. She emphasized the close correlation between declining media freedom and the erosion of the rule of law, noting that such trends mirror the playbook of authoritarian regimes.
The report documented instances of heavy concentration of media ownership, inadequate transparency rules on ownership, and threats to the independence and finances of public media. Furthermore, it highlighted cases of threats, intimidation, surveillance, and violence against journalists, along with restrictions on freedom of expression and access to information.
Liberties recommended close monitoring by the European Commission of member states’ implementation of the new European Media Freedom Act, which provides a legal basis for improving media freedom. Additionally, a new EU directive targeting abusive strategic lawsuits against public participation (Slapps) is expected to have an impact, although proper implementation is crucial.
Journalists in several EU countries, including Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, and Italy, faced physical attacks in 2023, while others were subjected to abuse and threats from elected politicians in Hungary and Slovakia. The report also highlighted cases of Slapps being used against journalists and instances of surveillance using spyware such as Pegasus and Predator.
In specific countries like Hungary and Slovakia, public service media faced government influence, leading to biased reporting in favor of ruling parties. Similarly, concerns were raised about media ownership concentration in countries like Croatia, France, Hungary, Poland, the Netherlands, and Slovakia.
The report underscored the urgent need for safeguarding media freedom in the EU and called for robust measures to protect journalists and ensure the independence of media outlets across the region.
