The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joined its Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners in welcoming the 5 September ruling reopening the investigation into the crimes against journalist Emilia Șercan. This is a positive step towards addressing the harassment and intimidation she has faced for the last two years. This ruling comes after a long legal battle by Șercan to hold accountable those responsible for smear campaigns against her and leaking her private photos, following her reports on high-profile cases of plagiarism, including the President of the Romanian Senate, and former Prime Minister, Nicolae Ciucă.  The initial investigation produced a…

On 9 September, the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) will begin a press freedom mission to Croatia. The delegation will meet with government representatives, journalists and journalistic associations, civil society, and renowned media experts to discuss the most pressing challenges to media freedom and pluralism in the country. Between 9 and 20 September 2024, the MFRR partners will conduct an online fact-finding mission to Croatia with a special focus on the safety of journalists, the long-overdue and much-needed media law reforms, transparency in media ownership and state advertising, the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) and other legal threats (including criminal…

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and the SafeJournalists network strongly condemned the threats against the journalist and editor-in-chief of the Morski.hr portal Jurica Gašpar, and called on the authorities to ensure justice by identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators. On 1 September 2024, the Morski.hr portal reported that after a business meeting in which the Croatian Association of Private Shippers negotiated an arrangement with the Public Relations agency of Ankica Mamić, a message appeared in the WhatsApp group “Shippers in the Adriatic” calling for the kidnapping of the editor of the portal, Jurica Gašpar, due to his critical reporting on…

At a time when workers are facing many challenges regarding their working conditions, they are increasingly developing solutions to join forces and fight for labor rights. One of the most effective solutions is the creation of works councils.  Despite a recurring opposition from tech employers, workers councils are multiplying all around Europe. They are essential tools implemented to strengthen a safer work culture in organisations as they allow workers to defend their rights within a specific company. Employees from works councils must be informed about the economic situation of the company and employers need to consult them for major layoffs…

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joins 30 civil society and journalists’ organisations to demand that the necessary regulatory measures against spyware threats are implemented by the EU institutions. A comprehensive approach and effective solutions are key to address this crucial issue for EU democratic values, public debate and healthy civic spaces. The coalition calls for the ban on the production, sale, and use of spyware during the new legislative term.  Read the full letter below:

The European and International Federation of Journalists (EFJ-IFJ) and its Romanian affiliate FAIR MediaSind express alarming concern for both the public media sector and freelance media workers. In a letter sent to the Romanian authorities on 2 September, the federations urged the authorities to engage in open consultation and discussion with civil society and journalists’ unions and to ensure the fundamental rights of media workers and the sustainability of the media industry, including public support at arm’s length. The longstanding crisis in public media requires urgent action.