UPDATE: In Denmark, freelancers and self-employed journalists who can justify a loss of more than 30% of their income will receive 75% compensation from the State (no more than 3000€ per month) between 8 March and 8 July. Amids the Corona Virus Disease pandemic (COVID-19), European governments, EU institutions and social partners take emergency measures to protect workers’ health and lives and avoid an unprecedented economic downturn. EFJ affiliates are working hard to protect their members including the growing number of freelancers. On March 20, the European Federation of Journalists’ Freelance Expert Group (FREG) had its first online meeting focusing…

The work of journalists is more necessary than ever, in a context of health crisis. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) welcomes the professional and social commitment of its members. However, the EFJ is strongly concerned about the cost-cutting measures (salary cuts, unilateral reductions in working conditions, etc.) imposed on journalists and media workers by some media companies. The EFJ considers these measures unfair and counterproductive. We call on European and national political authorities to protect the social status of employed and self-employed journalists. Together with the UN, OSCE and IACHR media freedom watchdogs, the EFJ believes that “governments must…

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) welcomed the joint statement issued today by David Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Harlem Désir, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, and Edison Lanza, IACHR Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression calling on governments to promote and protect access to and free flow of information during COVID-19 pandemic. In light of the growing disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the monitors for freedom of expression and freedom of the media for the United Nations, the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights,…

Investigative journalist Slavi Angelov was assaulted near his home in Sofia on 17 March by two unidentified masked men while another filmed the attack. The International Federation of Journalists and the European Federation of Journalists (IFJ and EFJ) join their affiliate, the Union of Bulgarian Journalists (UBJ) in strongly condemning the brutal attack and urge the authorities to bring the attackers and masterminds to justice. Angelov, editor-in-chief of the weeky 168 Hours, has reported on sensitive issues including the acquittal of a businessman who had caused environmental damage and was involved in prostitution as well as on tycoon Vasil Bozhkov‘s…

We are all affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, and we all have a responsibility to cope with this crisis. In this very challenging time, journalism has a vital role in informing the public with fact-based data. A lot of tips and professional advice has circulated to reduce the spread of dis- and misinformation. It is now that worried people look out for trusted news. COVID-19 is developing at global scale, and with disinformation and nationalistic, even racist rhetoric on the rise, independent journalism is systemically relevant for our democracies. We cannot accept any measures trying to limit the free media,…

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) welcomes the release of independent journalist Afgan Mukhtarli, who was previously sentenced to six years imprisonment by the Belakani District Court of Azerbaijan on 12 January 2018. He spent three years in arbitrary detention. Five other journalists are still behind bars for doing their job in Azerbaijan: Araz Guliyev, Elchin Ismayilli, Ikram Rahimov, Ziya Asadli, Polad Aslanov. There are currently 102 journalists in prison in Europe. The EFJ calls for their immediate release. Independent journalist Afgan Mukhtarli has been released from prison in Azerbaijan on Tuesday 17 March, on a fine of around 534…