A free and independent press is a cornerstone of any democracy. While most EU countries have healthy media landscapes, independent journalism should not be taken for granted.

Karolis Vyšniauskas is a freelance journalist and editor at NARA, a non-profit journalism space in Lithuania. Coming from an ex-communist state, journalists at NARA understand the importance of independent media to protect democracy.

Lukas Hansen is the editorial director at ENTR, a pan-European media project which covers European news in eight languages. Their aim is to inspire debate about life in Europe and promote engagement in common European values and ideas.

The European Parliament is working to ensure journalists and media across Europe can continue to work freely.

Protecting democracy through journalism: meet Lukas and Karolis