The European Parliament has repeatedly advocated press freedom and media pluralism in the EU and abroad. May 3 is World Press Freedom Day.

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 Declaration of Windhoek 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. 

The European Parliament has recently launched the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism. The prize commends outstanding journalism revolving around the principles and values of the European Union. The last Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) annual report and index on press freedom has highlighted diverging trends within the European Union, and has led to calls for action to ensure the media are protected.