Brussels, 03/05/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 2 May, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini stated on behalf of the EU, the day before World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, that the EU was determined to promote and defend the freedoms of opinion and expression throughout the world.
These rights should “be exercised by everyone everywhere, based on the principles of equality, non-discrimination and universality - through any media and regardless of frontiers”, Mogherini stated in a press release, adding that this was “a key component of democratic governance and development”.
Mogherini said that the EU condemned the increasing level of intimidation and violence that journalists, human rights defenders, media actors and other individuals face in many countries across the world when exercising the right to freedom of opinion and expression online and offline. “In addition to combating outright violence the EU is determined to fight against laws or practices that impose censorship, encourage self-censorship or provide legal penalties, including criminal, financial and administrative sanctions, as well as against the misuse of market powers and poor economic conditions”, she added. In 2014 the EU adopted guidelines on human rights relating to the freedom of expression online and offline (see EUROPE 11077).
In another press release, the chair of the European Parliament's sub-committee on human rights, Elena Valenciano (S&D, Spain) and char of the culture and education committee, Silvia Da Costa (S&D, Italy) said they were “very concerned by the erosion of press freedom in the world”, and stated that, according to various reports, press freedom has reached its lowest level in 12 years, with steps backwards in all regions of the world. They said the European Parliament remains firmly attached to the principles of freedom of expression and information as a fundamental element for a democratic and pluralistic society. The two MEPs added that the free diffusion of information and ideas was one of the most effective means for promoting tolerance, and said the EU should continue conducting international efforts to guarantee a press free from harassment and censure. In addition they want the EU to strengthen universal access to independent information.
Elsewhere, the European Commission announced on 3 May that the second annual colloquium on fundamental rights on 17-18 November 2016 would focus on the pluralism of the media and democracy. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)