To mark Press Freedom Day on Tuesday 3 May, MEPs discuss with the European Commission how to address the threats faced by journalists and enhance media freedom. Over the last few years, Parliament has warned about attempts both in the EU and beyond to undermine media pluralism. MEPs have denounced the attacks on journalists, particularly from politicians, and called on the Commission to table legislation against abusive lawsuits. Opening statement by Věra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency.

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

freedom of press and media (T)

Daphne Caruana Galizia prize for journalism (T)

Threats to the safety of journalists and media freedom in Europe, on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day: opening statement by Věra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Values and Transparency

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/30007689/1651566741213_I224659Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (English), Vera JOUROVA, vicepresident of the European Commission, Madam President, Honourable Members, on the occasion of this year's World Press Freedom Day, I would like to pay tribute in particular to journalists who are covering the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine from the place they inform us at the risk of their lives. They are our eyes under Russian bombs and threats. They show us what Russia does not want us to see.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vera JOUROVA, vicepresident of the European Commission, And indeed, as the president has just said, we have to stand on the side of truth seekers. Our first priority is the safety of journalists. This is why the EU has already dedicated more than €6 million for emergency support for journalists in Ukraine, including protective equipment, training and also relocation when necessary.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vera JOUROVA, vicepresident of the European Commission, But even in the EU, journalists are at risk for doing their work. This is why the Commission presented in September last year, for the first time ever, recommendations to Member States to improve the safety of journalists. We want to provide journalists facing threats with legal and psychological support and increase their protection online and offline, for instance, during demonstrations.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vera JOUROVA, vicepresident of the European Commission, But any legislation is only as effective as its implementation. Therefore, I call on all Member States to fully implement the measures suggested in the recommendation. A few days ago, the Commission proposed the legislation to protect journalists against abusive lawsuits. A strategic lawsuit against public participation so called slaps.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vera JOUROVA, vicepresident of the European Commission, These abusive proceedings are often David against Golia fights. Those bringing these lawsuits are wealthy and powerful. Their targets usually not. Journalists speak in the public interest. They keep power in check. And this is why we need to protect them. I call this a toughness law in honour of Daphne Caruana Galizia and her family, who have fought for so much for.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vera JOUROVA, vicepresident of the European Commission, It was the directive we adopted also a recommendation to encourage Member States to align their rules with the proposed EU law, also for domestic cases and in all proceedings. The recommendation also calls on Member States to take a range of other measures, such as supporting, training and awareness raising to fight against slumps. And we will go further.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vera JOUROVA, vicepresident of the European Commission, We are now preparing together with the Commissioner Breton on the Media Freedom Act. The act will enshrine, for the first time in EU law, common strong safeguards to protect media pluralism and the editorial independence of the media. Hand in hand, the legislation. We are also dedicating more EU funding to support media projects. We have just announced €8 million for cross-border journalism partnerships and more will come.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vera JOUROVA, vicepresident of the European Commission, We support innovation and digital transformation as this is important for the sector to thrive in the long term and at the same time with Digital Markets Acts and Digital Services Act. We have new rules to better protect fundamental rights online and to ensure fairer digital markets.

SOUNDBITE (English), Vera JOUROVA, vicepresident of the European Commission, To sum up, the EU has never done so much to protect and promote media freedom and pluralism. This is clearly thanks to the strong support of the European Parliament and I would like to thank you for being such a great ally in our common fight to defend our European values and our democracies. Recent crises have showed the importance of standing for media freedom and pluralism and protecting our democracies. Thank you very much.