The EU demands the protection of journalists and warns that disinformation is spreading against the backdrop of attacks on the press.

The European Union asserts, on World Press Freedom Day 2026, that independent journalism is essential for democracy and calls for the protection of journalists, the investigation of the killings of media workers, and the fight against intimidation, SLAPPs, propaganda, and disinformation.

The European Union stated, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2026, that democracy cannot exist without a free press and that journalists must be protected at all times, including in conflict zones. The statement, made by Kaja Kallas, the High Representative, on behalf of the EU, warns of the killing, wounding, threatening, arbitrary detention, exile, and silencing of journalists, as well as the risk that intimidation, SLAPPs, and disinformation will push societies towards self-censorship and propaganda.

In short, the EU asserts that a free press and access to information are fundamental rights, not optional elements of democracy.

The statement calls for the protection of journalists, especially in conflict zones, where they document atrocities and possible war crimes.

The EU warns that female journalists are disproportionately targeted by gender-based violence, including online harassment and abuse.

The Union criticizes intimidation, SLAPPs, the repression of journalists by authoritarian regimes, and the reduction of foreign correspondence networks.

The EU states that it will continue to support independent journalism through partnerships with organizations such as the European Endowment for Democracy, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE.

The European Union warned, in a statement published on World Press Freedom Day 2026, that independent journalism faces increasing pressures in a context where journalists are killed, injured, threatened, arbitrarily detained, forced into exile, or silenced.

The statement was delivered by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union and presents press freedom as a central condition for the existence of democracy. The EU asserts that independent press is a cornerstone of democratic societies and that access to media and freedom of expression are fundamental rights.

The Union insists that international law mandates the protection of journalists at all times. According to the statement, this protection is especially essential in conflict zones, where journalists document the realities of war, including atrocities and possible war crimes.

The EU refers to Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the current conflicts in the Middle East, including Gaza and Lebanon, as well as in Africa. The statement shows that the killing of journalists and media professionals must be fully investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable.

The document also draws attention to the fact that female journalists are disproportionately targeted by gender-based violence, including harassment and online abuse. The EU believes that these attacks contribute to the silencing of critical voices.

Another central point is the threat to the right to information. The EU warns that intimidation, both online and offline, along with strategic lawsuits against public participation, known as SLAPPs, can encourage self-censorship among journalists. The statement also criticizes the intimidation and repression of journalists by authoritarian regimes, with explicit mention of the violence and repression exercised by the Iranian regime.

The Union calls on governments to create a solid legal framework to protect journalists against abusive legal proceedings. This position comes at an important time for EU member states, which must transpose the anti-SLAPP Directive by May 7, 2026.

The statement also warns about the reduction of foreign correspondence networks, which the EU links to the risk of the spread of unverified information. At the same time, the Union criticizes entities that present themselves as media but spread fake news and take messages from those in power, instead of holding them accountable.

The EU states that the effect is an increasing exposure of citizens to propaganda and disinformation presented as news. In this context, the Union reaffirms its commitment to defending free, pluralistic, independent, and quality journalism.

To support independent press, the EU mentions its partnership with the European Endowment for Democracy and cooperation with UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE. According to the statement, the Union will continue to defend press freedom both within the EU and globally.

The EU statement comes at a time when press freedom is increasingly treated as a matter of democratic security, not just as a professional issue for the media industry. At the European level, the legislative framework has been expanded through the European Media Freedom Act, aimed at protecting editorial independence and limiting political or economic interference in media activities. The European Parliament approved the act in March 2024, and it obliges member states to protect the media from political, economic, and governmental interventions.

At the same time, the anti-SLAPP Directive targets abusive legal proceedings used to intimidate journalists, civil society organizations, and rights defenders. Its implementation becomes relevant precisely in the context of the EU's warning about self-censorship and legal pressures on the press.

Pressures on the press are also confirmed by specialized organizations. Reporters Without Borders warned in the 2026 Press Freedom Index that press freedom has reached its lowest level in the last 25 years, amid the abuse of national security legislation, abusive lawsuits, and deteriorating economic conditions for the media.

https://2eu.brussels/en/news/eu-calls-for-protection-of-journalists-and-warns-that-disinformation-is-spreading-amid-attacks-on-the-press