Media freedom in Hungary has seen significant and rapid changes in the first six months of the new government, marking a historic break with one of the worst crackdowns on press freedom in the history of the European Union. This creates a significant opportunity to rebuild independent and pluralistic media institutions, a delegation of international media freedom and journalist organisations said today. Speaking at a press conference in Budapest following a fact-finding mission, the delegation concluded that media reforms have taken significant steps towards dismantling captured Fidesz-era institutions, passing important media law amendments, and creating the conditions for restoring independence…

For several weeks, investigative journalist Véronique Poujol of Reporter.lu has been the target of a major smear campaign by a website. The journalist has filed a complaint. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), which have filed an alert with the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Safety of Journalists, join the Luxembourg Association of Professional Journalists (ALJP) in expressing their solidarity with Véronique Poujol, reiterating that journalistic criticism is legitimate and that smear campaigns and the dissemination of false accusations should not be confused with freedom of expression. On 3 November 2026, the…

We, the undersigned organisations, express our strong solidarity with our colleagues in Czechia: the Syndicate of Journalists of the Czech Republic (Syndikát novinářů České republiky – SNČR), the employees of Czech Television (ČT) and Czech Radio (ČRo), and all Czech citizens who are standing up for independent public service media. Public service media belong to citizens. As a cornerstone of democracy, their role is to inform the public, hold power to account, and provide diverse, verified information. To fulfil this duty, they must remain entirely free from political influence. We are following the actions of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s government…

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joins the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), in raising its concerns over Novaya Gazeta’s, one of the country’s most respected independent media outlets, ceasing of operations following repeated acts of intimidation and harassment by Russian authorities. After more than 30 years of investigative journalism exposing corruption, abuses of power and human rights violations, the newspaper announced that it would shut down its Moscow newsroom on 9 November. On 30 October, Novaya Gazeta announced that it wouldshut down its Moscow newsroom following a coordinated campaign of repression of the Russian authorities and the Federal Security…

“Strong culture, free press! Democracy deserves no less!”: These words from EFJ Director Renate Schroeder’s closing remarks were echoed by the many attendants who gathered together earlier today, including over 150 journalists, artists, cultural workers, and civil society representatives to peacefully protest a proposed 30% cut to AgoraEU, the EU’s core programme for culture, media, and fundamental values for the 2028-2034 budget period. The demonstration, organised jointly by Culture Action Europe, Civil Society Europe, the European Civic Forum, and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) in partnership with the Future of Europe cohort, sent a resounding message to EU leaders…

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), together with media outlets, journalist associations and press freedom organisations across Europe, has signed an open letter calling on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to increase transparency on EU decision-making by making necessary documents more accessible to media workers. This allows journalists and the public to follow the latest policy developments, public money spending and the exercise of power by EU institutions. It is crucial to democratic accountability, and a legal right under EU law. Yet journalists seeking information from the European Commission increasingly face long delays, extensive redactions and refusals to…

Serbia’s parliamentary elections on 25 October marked a significant political change. The Student List which emerged from two years of student-led anti-corruption protests won a majority and Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat after 12 years in power.  The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joins its partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) in viewing this result as an opportunity to strengthen media freedom and pluralism. After years of mounting pressure on independent journalism, political interference and attacks against media professionals, the post-election period offers a chance to address longstanding problems.  Whether this opportunity leads to lasting change will depend on…

Last Wednesday, the European Parliament hosted the ceremony for the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism. The award honours the memory of the assassinated Maltese journalist by celebrating outstanding professionals in the field and highlighting the crucial role independent journalism plays in protecting democracy. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, reflected on Daphne’s impact: “Those who tried to silence her failed, as her stories now travel further than ever.” She also congratulated the winners and pledged that the Parliament would continue to support their cause through concrete action: “Now that the Anti-SLAPP rules we fought for are in force,…

Whilst long queues formed at polling stations across Serbia on Sunday, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and its Serbian affiliates began to report the first incidents targeting journalists covering the parliamentary elections. The EFJ calls on the authorities to ensure the safety of journalists on the ground. Long lines snaked from polling stations across the country. Even populist leader Aleksandar Vucić waited in line for nearly two hours to vote. First indications of results are expected around ​two hours after polls close at 8 p.m. Whilst voting was still under way, the EFJ and its affiliates reported several incidents targeting…

Thousands of journalists demonstrated this Saturday in 10 provinces across Turkey to protest against censorship of the media and to call for the release of imprisoned reporters. Below we publish the report and analysis by Yusuf Kanli, vice-president of GCD, one of the EFJ’s affiliates in Turkey. This article was published on Sunday by Politis. Journalists marched in cities across Turkey on Saturday against arrests, censorship, access restrictions and state-appointed control of media outlets. Supported by opposition leader Özgür Özel and representatives of nearly the entire opposition spectrum, the coordinated protests appeared to be the largest street mobilization by Turkish…

UPDATE 24/10/2026: In a rushed overnight vote, on Saturday, the populist government of billionaire Prime Minister Andrej Babis, backed by the far-right SPD party, pushed ​public media funding changes through a first parliamentary hurdle despite criticism that they ‌could weaken broadcaster independence. The EFJ calls on the European Commission to take immediate action against this flagrant breach of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). —————————— The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), its Czech affiliate, the Syndicate of Journalists of the Czech Republic (SNCR), and the undersigned media and journalists’ organisations are deeply concerned by the decision to fast-track legislation in…

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joins its member, the Syndicate of Journalists of the Czech Republic (SNCR) instrongly opposing the ruling coalition’s move to rush through a bill that severely threatens the independence of Czech public service media. Today, 23 October 2026, the ruling coalition in the Czech Republic,voted to fast-track the government’s bill to abolish the television and licence fee. This means the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the parliament, will give priority to debate this bill. This proposal came from Radim Fiala, leader of the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) parliamentary group. At his request,…

From 4 to 6 November, a coalition of international media freedom and journalist organisations will travel to Hungary to learn about the ongoing media reform under the Tisza government and provide expert recommendations for rebuilding press freedom after years of backsliding. The three-day fact-finding mission to Budapest is led by partners of the Council of Europe Platform for the Safety of Journalists and the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR). The delegation of 13 organisations will meet editors, journalists, media organisations, and civil society groups, as well as with the new Hungarian government, relevant ministries, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders responsible…

The undersigned partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) and Safe Journalists Network (SJN) ahead of the parliamentary elections on 25 October are alarmed by the spiral of violence against journalists and by the overall situation surrounding media freedom. We call on the Serbian authorities to guarantee the safety of media workers during the electoral period. All attacks must be thoroughly investigated and their perpetrators held accountable. Political figures, including state officials, must stop targeting media professionals. On 25 October, Serbian citizens will vote in the extraordinary parliamentary elections. MFRR and SJN partners reiterate that there cannot be free…

Taking part in the meeting of the Executive Committee of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), on 19 and 20 October, the EFJ President Maja Sever supported the IFJ’s motion expressing solidarity with journalists, trade unions, and professional organisations in Turkey in their fight against censorship, intimidation and the criminalisation of journalism. The IFJ Executive Committee, considering: the increasing repression of independent journalism in Türkiye, including the detention and prosecution of journalists, restrictions on media outlets, the appointment of government-appointed trustees to media organisations and the blocking of journalists’ social media accounts; he fundamental right of journalists to report freely,…