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…