In response to growing threats to media freedom and the financial viability of media outlets, Parliament adopted a common framework for media services, known as the European Media Freedom Act. It is a true milestone, as the act protects journalists and media workers, encourages transparency in media ownership and promotes international cooperation to ensure a diverse and independent media landscape.

The EU’s Media Freedom Act

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

&nbsp;Follow the Money won the 2025 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism for exposing the hidden financial networks enabling Russia’s sanction-evading oil trade. The&nbsp;<a data-analytics-event-attached="true" href="https://www.ftm.eu/articles/who-is-behind-the-russian-shadow-fleet?share=wge64Sf2j4nGxIjYIzKSgLJ/fUMpaOz82IYM45YI3McuEe5azfrap36CM9vWEYo%3D" rel="noopener" target="_blank">investigation</a>, coordinated by the platform for investigative journalism “Follow the Money” in collaboration with media from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, revealed how Western shipowners earned over 6 billion dollars selling 230 aging tankers to Russia's shadow fleet.

&nbsp;The Prize rewards on a yearly basis outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core principles and values of the European Union, such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and human rights.&nbsp;

The award ceremony takes place each year around 16 October, the date Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated. The prize and the €20 000 prize money demonstrate the European Parliament’s strong support for investigative journalism and the importance of a free press.

Over the last few years, Parliament has warned about attempts both in the EU and beyond to undermine media pluralism. Parliament has repeatedly&nbsp;denounced attempts to limit media freedom, and especially attacks against journalists, in any form and wherever they may come from. MEPs were instrumental in the effort that culminated in March 2024 in the&nbsp;European Media Freedom Act, which protects media freedom and journalists' safety and independence. They also pushed for years for rules to tackle malicious litigation, aiming to protect journalists and civil society from strategic lawsuits seeking to silence critical voices, and the EU’s&nbsp;anti-SLAPP directive&nbsp;was finally approved in February 2024.&nbsp;

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism

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)

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism

The Prize is a tribute to the Maltese investigative journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was assassinated in October 2017. It rewards, on a yearly basis, outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core principles and values of the European Union, such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights.

The Prize is open to professional journalists and teams of professional journalists of any nationality to submit in-depth stories that have been published or broadcast by a media outlet based in one of the 27 European Union member states. From 21 May to 31 July 2025, more than 300 applications were submitted by journalists from the 27 EU countries for this fourth edition of the Prize.

The Prize itself, and the €20,000 prize money, demonstrate the European Parliament’s strong support for investigative journalism and the protection of journalists around the world.



Follow the Money won the 2025 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism for exposing the hidden financial networks enabling Russia’s sanction-evading oil trade.

The investigation, coordinated by the platform for investigative journalism “Follow the Money” in collaboration with media from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, revealed how Western shipowners earned over 6 billion dollars selling 230 aging tankers to Russia's shadow fleet.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize 2025 Award ceremony

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 2025 ceremony

The digital information sphere has become the main space for public debate, shaping opinions and access to information. In the past decade, it has also become a geostrategic battleground, with authoritarian states manipulating public opinion to weaken democracies. At the same time, corporate rivalry over emerging technologies, particularly AI, has intensified. AI-driven disinformation poses growing risks to democratic information ecosystems. Strengthening information integrity is crucial to safeguarding human rights and freedom of expression. Multilateral efforts to enhance resilience align with the EU’s planned European Democracy Shield, building on existing measures and fostering new partnerships.

Information Manipulation and the EU response

EP Plenary session - Delayed justice and rule of law backsliding in Malta, eight years after Daphne’s assassination

EP Plenary session - The decision to impose a fine on Google: defending press and media freedom in the EU

EP Plenary session - Wave of violence and continuous use of force against protesters in Serbia

EP Plenary session - State of play of implementation of the European Media Freedom Act in Member States

EP Plenary session - Safeguarding the access to democratic media, such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

EP Plenary session - Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta

Daphne Caruana Galizia prize press seminar on Safeguarding Media Freedom

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

EP President Roberta METSOLA delivers a speech at the International final event of the S-INFO – Sustainable Information project, “The future of investigative and independent journalism in Europe”. Over the past two years, the S-INFO project has built bridges between journalists, activists, and civil society organisations across Europe to rethink the role of journalism as a public good. Now, at this final stage, we’ll present the Manifesto for Sustainable Information – a shared political and ethical vision for independent journalism – and unveil the key results of the project: Transnational investigations exposing issues of corruption, environment, and social rights - A European network of journalists and CSOs working together for media freedom - Training programmes, mentoring, and safer spaces for journalists.

“The future of investigative and independent journalism in Europe”: address by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

Announcement by Dafydd AB IAGO, President of IPA and speech by Birte SCHOHAUS, Follow The Money (Netherlands) on behalf of the authors of The Shadow Fleet Secrets, Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2025 laureates. Following recommendations formulated around citizens’ proposals in the Conference on the Future of Europe, the EU institutions legislated to safeguard free and independent journalism, since an array of threats to media and journalists are making it increasingly difficult to ensure a healthy information sphere which allows citizens to forge informed opinions and decisions. If disinformation and media capture prevail, then other interlinked pillars of democracy and the rule of law (such as the independence of academia and research, the judiciary, fundamental rights and the treatment of vulnerable groups, non-discrimination, even free and fair elections) will be at risk.This transcription if the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Ceremony of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2025: announcement by Dafydd AB IAGO, President of IPA and speech by Birte SCHOHAUS, on behalf of the authors of The Shadow Fleet Secrets, Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize 2025 laureates

Juliane HIELSCHER, Member of the prize jury and President of the Berlin Press Club, delivers a speech. Following recommendations formulated around citizens’ proposals in the Conference on the Future of Europe, the EU institutions legislated to safeguard free and independent journalism, since an array of threats to media and journalists are making it increasingly difficult to ensure a healthy information sphere which allows citizens to forge informed opinions and decisions. If disinformation and media capture prevail, then other interlinked pillars of democracy and the rule of law (such as the independence of academia and research, the judiciary, fundamental rights and the treatment of vulnerable groups, non-discrimination, even free and fair elections) will be at risk. This transcription if the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Ceremony of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2025: speech by Juliane HIELSCHER, Member of the prize jury and President of the Berlin Press Club

EP President Roberta METSOLA opens the ceremony of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2025. Media freedom is a key pillar to ensure pluralism and democracy. Following recommendations formulated around citizens’ proposals in the Conference on the Future of Europe, the EU institutions legislated to safeguard free and independent journalism, since an array of threats to media and journalists are making it increasingly difficult to ensure a healthy information sphere which allows citizens to forge informed opinions and decisions. If disinformation and media capture prevail, then other interlinked pillars of democracy and the rule of law (such as the independence of academia and research, the judiciary, fundamental rights and the treatment of vulnerable groups, non-discrimination, even free and fair elections) will be at risk.This transcription if the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Ceremony of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2025: speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

This news item presents a statement by Birte SCHOLAUS, Deputy Editor-in-Chief at Follow the Money and Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2025 Laureate, and extracts from the ceremony of award. Media freedom is a key pillar to ensure pluralism and democracy. Following recommendations formulated around citizens’ proposals in the Conference on the Future of Europe, the EU institutions legislated to safeguard free and independent journalism, since an array of threats to media and journalists are making it increasingly difficult to ensure a healthy information sphere which allows citizens to forge informed opinions and decisions. If disinformation and media capture prevail, then other interlinked pillars of democracy and the rule of law (such as the independence of academia and research, the judiciary, fundamental rights and the treatment of vulnerable groups, non-discrimination, even free and fair elections) will be at risk.

Ceremony of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2025: statement by one of the authors of The Shadow Fleet Secrets, Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2025 Laureates and extracts from the ceremony

Welcoming words by Pina PICIERNO (S&D, IT), EP Vice-President. Media freedom is a key pillar to ensure pluralism and democracy. Following recommendations formulated around citizens’ proposals in the Conference on the Future of Europe, the EU institutions legislated to safeguard free and independent journalism, since an array of threats to media and journalists are making it increasingly difficult to ensure a healthy information sphere which allows citizens to forge informed opinions and decisions. If disinformation and media capture prevail, then other interlinked pillars of democracy and the rule of law (such as the independence of academia and research, the judiciary, fundamental rights and the treatment of vulnerable groups, non-discrimination, even free and fair elections) will be at risk. This transcription if the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Ceremony of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2025: opening statement by Pina PICIERNO (S&D, IT), EP Vice-President

Closing statements of the debate on criminal intimidation against investigative journalists in the EU, the attempted attack to Sigfrido Ranucci. Closing statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement.

Criminal intimidation against investigative journalists in the EU - the attempted attack to Sigfrido Ranucci: closing statement by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement

MEPs debate on criminal intimidation against investigative journalists in the EU, the attempted attack to Sigfrido Ranucci.

Criminal intimidation against investigative journalists in the EU - the attempted attack to Sigfrido Ranucci: MEPs debate

Opening statements by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement of the debate on criminal intimidation against investigative journalists in the EU, the attempted attack to Sigfrido Ranucci. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Criminal intimidation against investigative journalists in the EU - the attempted attack to Sigfrido Ranucci: opening statements by Marta KOS, European Commissioner for Enlargement

Closing statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, on delayed justice and rule of law backsliding in Malta, eight years after Daphne’s assassination.

Delayed justice and rule of law backsliding in Malta, eight years after Daphne’s assassination: closing statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

MEPs debate of the debate on delayed justice and rule of law backsliding in Malta, eight years after Daphne’s assassination.

Delayed justice and rule of law backsliding in Malta, eight years after Daphne’s assassination: MEPs debate

Opening statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, on delayed justice and rule of law backsliding in Malta, eight years after Daphne’s assassination.

Delayed justice and rule of law backsliding in Malta, eight years after Daphne’s assassination: opening statement by Henna VIRKKUNEN, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

This infoclip presents some footage of Journalists and Humanitarian Aid Workers in Palestine and all conflict zones, represented by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, the Red Crescent, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Gaza is identified as the world's deadliest region for journalism, with a high number of Palestinian journalists killed. Humanitarian workers have also endured significant losses during the conflict, with deadly attacks affecting organisations such as the PRCS and UNRWA. The material is offered for editorial use only, for the purpose of providing information and/or education on the Sakharov Prize 2025. No use after December 31st, 2025. No archive. User is prohibited from stripping the AFPTV material from the program initially produced to create a new program. No sublicensing to third parties. For any other uses, please contact AFP – www.afp.com Copyright: © PRCS, 2025

Infoclip: Sakharov Prize 2025 finalists - Journalists and Humanitarian Aid Workers in Palestine and all conflict zones, represented by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, the Red Crescent, and UNRWA

Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission, gives her first State of the European Union address during a debate in the European Parliament since being re-elected. In her speech, Ursula von der LEYEN outlines the impact of the Commission’s work since it started its new mandate, and plans for the future. In this particular part of her speech, she speaks about the EU relations with the United States, research with "Choose Europe" package; and health with the Global Health Resilience Initiative. Ursula von der LEYEN also announces the set up a new European Centre for Democratic Resilience to fight against information manipulation and disinformation. So we will launch a new Media Resilience Programme to support independent journalism and media literacy, and speaks about the anxiety of parents who are doing their best to keep their children safe. In that framework, she suggests several ideas to protect children against powerful algorithms on social media.

State of the European Union - #SOTEU2025: statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission (part 7 - Global partnerships and Trade - Democracy and Democracy and Rule of Law)

This infoclip illustrates various aspects the rule of law, which is one of the EU’s fundamental values, guaranteeing democracy and citizens’ rights and freedoms. The video includes footage of the Court of Justice in Luxembourg and of several Courts across the EU, but also focuses on press freedom and media pluralism. Other important pillars of the rule of law are the right to vote, to peaceful assembly, and freedom of association. In the occasion of the State of the European Union speech (SOTEU) President von der Leyen highlights her priorities for the Union for the year ahead with European thematics such as the Rule of Law and democracy in the EU.

Infoclip: Democracy and Rule of Law

Parliament discuss the need for member states and media service providers to make sure they apply in full the rules designed to protect journalists and press freedom. With the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) due to enter into application on 8 August 2025, Parliament wants to highlight the importance of EU countries working to protect media sources and confidential communications. This means not detaining or sanctioning journalists, and not conducting unwarranted office searches or installing surveillance software. Members states will need to guarantee the editorial independence of public service media operators, and publish all media ownership details on national databases, among other initiatives to ensure transparency. by Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investment Union, and Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs.

State of play of implementation of the European Media Freedom Act in Member States: closing statements by Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, European Commissioner for Financial Services, and Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs

Parliament discuss the need for member states and media service providers to make sure they apply in full the rules designed to protect journalists and press freedom. With the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) due to enter into application on 8 August 2025, Parliament wants to highlight the importance of EU countries working to protect media sources and confidential communications. This means not detaining or sanctioning journalists, and not conducting unwarranted office searches or installing surveillance software. Members states will need to guarantee the editorial independence of public service media operators, and publish all media ownership details on national databases, among other initiatives to ensure transparency.

State of play of implementation of the European Media Freedom Act in Member States: MEPs debate

Parliament discuss the need for member states and media service providers to make sure they apply in full the rules designed to protect journalists and press freedom. With the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) due to enter into application on 8 August 2025, Parliament wants to highlight the importance of EU countries working to protect media sources and confidential communications. This means not detaining or sanctioning journalists, and not conducting unwarranted office searches or installing surveillance software. Opening statements by by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs, and Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, European Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investment Union. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery

State of play of implementation of the European Media Freedom Act in Member States: opening statements by Marie BJERRE, Danish Minister for European Affairs, and Maria Luís ALBUQUERQUE, European Commissioner for Financial Services

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