Andrzej Poczobut, Belarusian-Polish journalist and a critic of Alexander Lukashenko’s regime, and Mzia Amaglobeli, Georgian journalist and director of media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, are the laureates of the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought awarded by the European Parliament. The International and European Federations of Journalists (IFJ-FEJ) welcome the decision and hope this distinction will help draw attention to cases of unjustly detained journalists such as Poczobut and Amaglobeli. The Federations call once again for the immediate release of all imprisoned journalists and media workers in Belarus and Georgia. Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli are both journalists unjustly imprisoned…

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joined the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) and more than 100 organisations in calling for robust and strategic EU investment in free and independent media in response to the proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. As debates intensify over future budget priorities, our organisations stress that Europe’s democratic resilience depends on sustained and strategic support for the public interest information ecosystem. Our call to action We urge the European Parliament, the European Commission, and Member States to guarantee substantial and long-term EU funding and investment for the public interest information…

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joined the undersigned organisations in calling for the removal of the reported anti-LGBTQ+ provision from the 11th Judicial Package which would restrict and possibly criminalise media reporting on the community in Turkey. The draft of the 11th Judicial Package was shared with the members of the press last week and is expected to be submitted to Parliament in the coming days. Under the heading “Obscene acts,” the draft introduces a so-called “Turkish-style ban on homosexual propaganda.” It stipulates prison sentences of up to three years for any behavior or attitude that is “contrary to…

Voices, the European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom, returns to Florence at Teatro del Maggio Musicale on 10–12 March 2026. Following the success of its debut in Florence and the second edition in Zagreb, which drew more than 2,000 participants, the festival returns with renewed energy, building on what worked, sharpening its focus on media freedom, and raising the bar with new partners and formats. Following the new Florence edition, Voices will tour two more European cities, bringing the conversation closer to local communities. “What began as an ambitious idea — to create the First European Festival of Journalism…

On 10 October 2025, the Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (SMCG) signed the Protocol on the Protection of Journalists with governments’ representatives (Supreme State Prosecutor, Ministers of Culture and Media, Justice, and the State Secretary at the Minister of Interior), media outlets/organisations and the Association of Local Public Broadcasters.  The Protocol aims to establish a comprehensive and coordinated institutional framework to ensure faster and more efficient responses to threats and attacks on journalists and media workers. The Mechanism will monitor and report incidents, provide legal and psychological assistance through a 24/7 contact line, and will provide mandatory training for…

Russian state-controlled news agency RIA Novosti reported on 16 October that war correspondent Ivan Zuev was killed by a drone attack in the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region, southeastern Ukraine. The International and the European Federations of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) call for an independent investigation to determine the circumstances of Zuev’s death and remind warring parties to respect their obligation to protect media workers as civilians. Yuri Voitkevich, who also worked for Russian RIA Novosti, was seriously injured in the same attack and underwent surgery, the employer said. The IFJ and the EFJ call for an independent investigation into the killing of RIA…