19/10/2017 (Agence Europe) – Following the European Parliament’s conference of presidents on Thursday morning, 19 October, it was decided that a debate will be organised on protection of journalists and defence of freedom of the media in Malta following the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia (see EUROPE 11885). The Council and European Commission will issue a statement followed by comments from the political groups. A minute’s silence will be observed on Tuesday, to which we understand the victim’s family has been invited. The debate will echo a vote on whistleblowing that is bound to take place the same day with important amendments tabled by the EPP (see EUROPE 11886). A debate on whistleblowing had been requested by the S&D, but agreement on this was not reached at the conference of presidents. (PH)