Ensuring the safety of journalists: the role of law enforcement authorities

In 2021 the European Commission adopted its Recommendations on the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists calling on Member states to ensure safe working conditions for journalists and media workers. Yet, threats and attacks against journalists remain an issue of concern in many EU member states as well as in candidate countries. The panel investigates the relationship between journalism and law enforcement authorities: on the one hand it will explore the potential for a constructive collaboration, while on the other it will discuss the potential threat that law enforcement authorities may represent when they act in a context of fragile rule of law.

Introduction: Serena Epis, Researcher at OBC Transeuropa

Moderator: Guusje Somer, Policy and Advocacy Officer at Free Press Unlimited (FPU)

Speakers: Emilia Șercan, Investigative journalist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Bucharest, Paolo Borrometi, FNSI National Councillor and contact person for projects on legality education and political, union and legislative initiatives, AGI Co-director and President at Article 21 Srdan Kosović, Digital Director at Vijesti

Closing remarks: Laurens Hueting, Senior Advocacy Officer at European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) Luisa Chiodi, Scientific Director at OBC Transeuropa

This panel was part of the international conference Media-Democracy Nexus in the European Space organised by OBCT as part of the MFRR project. Learn more on OBCT's dedicated dossier .