EU leaders must considerably strengthen the European media ecosystem. This is the conclusion drawn by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) after reading the results of the latest Eurobarometer survey on citizens’ concern about communication-related risks, such as disinformation, fake content generated by artificial intelligence, independence of the media, Big Tech’s dominance, and threats to freedom of expression. The Eurobarometer, which surveyed 26,453 people across all EU members states found that tackling inflation, rising prices and the cost of living is people’s top priority for EU action, followed by the economy and job creation (35%). Defence and security, public services and…

On 4 February, The Washington Post announced the firing of more than 300 employees, approximately one third of its staff. This followed weeks of uncertainty and rumours about widespread layoffs, during which time management remained silent. The European and International Federations of Journalists (EFJ-IFJ) join the NewsGuild-CWA in condemning the mass cuts. Post employees who have been laid off will continue to be on staff through 10 April, though they will not be required to work. They will receive six months of continued health insurance coverage. The affected employees include Caroline O’Donovan, who primarily covers Amazon, the company founded by…

By Valeriia Muskharina (Information Service of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine) This winter in Ukraine has become another severe test. Large-scale Russian attacks targeting energy infrastructure have caused constant power outages and heating disruptions, while temperatures have dropped to −25 °C. These conditions have made everyday life extremely difficult and forced people to find ways to stay warm and meet basic needs. For journalists in Kyiv, such realities create additional obstacles while working outdoors, preparing materials, and maintaining communication. Routine tasks such as charging equipment or filming a story have turned into tests of endurance. To help journalists…

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joins the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners in strongly condemning the proposals of the Georgian Dream (GD) ruling party to implement a series of legislative amendments that would impose additional restrictions and penalties on recipients of grants and foreign funding. If implemented, our organisations warn the amendments would strengthen an already restrictive web of legislation targeting financial support to media and civil society and could eliminate the ability of Georgian journalists and media outlets to receive any form of independent funding. The proposed changes were announced on January 28 by Georgian Dream’s parliamentary…

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) attended the kick-off meeting organised by Civitates on the Multiannual-Financial Framework (MFF), along with the Centre for Sustainable Media (CSM), Civil Society Europe (CSE), Culture Action Europe (CAE), Europe Civic Forum (ECF), and Irish Council of Civil Liberties. The meeting marked the starting point of a year-long project called “Future of Europe” to support the journalism, culture, and civic space strands within the upcoming negotiations on the EU’s long-term budget. The proposed EU budget for 2028 – 2034 introduces a new programme “AgoraEU” which will include a Culture, Media (divided into Audiovisual and News),…

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joined the International Press Institute (IPI) and media freedom partners in providing a formal contribution to the public consultation into the draft act to amend the Polish Broadcasting and Television Act – a major and much needed overhaul of the country’s media legislation. The draft reform, published by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, also represents a core element of the implementation of the EU’s European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) in Poland. The public consultation closed on January 23. The submission was made by IPI along with the European Centre for Press and…