The Council of the European Union is concerned that the economic situation of journalists and media professionals is becoming “more and more precarious”, in conclusions adopted by the General Affairs Council on Tuesday 21 June.
This “financial and economic insecurity” of journalists is due in particular to the difficulties encountered by media outlets, the imperative of efficiency and profitability imposed on private media, and the digital upheavals that increase competition in the collection of advertising revenues with social networks.
Enforcing publishers’ neighbouring rights to copyright by negotiating with GAFA would allow media organisations to significantly increase their revenues.
In view of the growing problems of physical insecurity, the EU Council recommends that Member States encourage training for editors and administrations, including the judiciary, in the protection of journalists, with particular emphasis on the protection of women journalists and journalists from minorities or social groups marginalised in the digital environment.
Member States are also invited to support independent and exiled journalists from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia through “professional, financial, social, administrative or legal assistance, including from the private sector”.
See the conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/283 (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)