Europe at a crossroads: defending democracy depends on defending media freedom - Article

On World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners express solidarity with all journalists and media professionals who face threats, intimidation, and attacks for their work. In these challenging times of socio-political turmoil in Europe and beyond, public interest journalism is more crucial than ever, as journalists continue to work under increasing pressure. We call for decisive action by the European Union, its member states, and candidate countries to uphold and protect media freedom

Media Freedom Rapid Response Input regarding the EU Democracy Shield - Article

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) has submitted its official input to the EU Democracy Shield, emphasizing the need to uphold media resilience and journalist safety as essential pillars for safeguarding democracy in Europe

Commissioner Virkkunen acknowledges crucial role of journalism in Europe’s Defense and Preparedness agenda - Article

Partner organisations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) met with European Commission Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, on 27 April 2025, to address increasing challenges concerning the economic viability, online safety of journalists, and the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the media landscape

Liberties' Media Freedom Report 2025 - Reports

The Media Freedom Report 2025 (Report) is the fourth annual report on media freedom in the European Union (EU) produced by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties). It is based on data and input from Liberties’ member and partner organisations and complements Liberties’ annual Rule of Law Report

Liberties Report 2025: Democratic Decline Deepens - Article

The Rule of Law Report by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe highlights a serious deterioration in the rule of law across Europe in 2024. The report ranks Italy alongside Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and Slovakia among the countries facing the most critical issues

Source: CILD - Coalizione Italiana Diritti Civili 

Open Letter: Surveillance warrants targeting journalists are dangerous for democracy - Article

OBCT, alongside free expression organizations, Romanian journalists and media outlets, condemns the surveillance of journalists by Romanian prosecutors as a violation of press freedom 

Originally published in Romanian and English by ActiveWatch and the Center for independent Journalism

MFRR and SJN condemn adoption of foreign agent legislation in Bosnia’s entity Republika Srpska - Article

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners and SafeJournalists Network (SJN) strongly condemn the adoption of legislation in the Republika Srpska entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina which will establish a "special registry” of NGOs, many of which are independent media

Slovakia: New report highlights growing media freedom crisis - Article

Media freedom in Slovakia is facing a deep crisis, serving as a critical test case for the European Union’s commitment to safeguarding media freedom and democratic values, Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partner organisations warn today in a new report

Joint letter to European Commission President: EU should oppose Türkiye’s “agent of influence” bill - Article

In a joint letter, 55 international and local press freedom and human rights organisations urge the EU Commission to call for full withdrawal of the "agent of influence" bill in Turkey.

Albania, media trapped in a triangle of pressure - Article

Journalists across Europe are often subjected to subtle forms of pressure and intimidation, including vexatious lawsuits frequently initiated by influential politicians or businesspeople. Blerjana Bino, Executive Director of SCiDEV and Researcher at the SafeJournalists Network, provides insight into the situation in the country

By Serena Epis

Originally published by OBCT. Also available in ITA