On Wednesday 24 May, the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) adopted a report calling for better protection of journalists both in the EU and worldwide, with 54 votes in favour, none against and three abstentions.
The report, drafted by Isabel Wiseler-Lima (EPP, Luxembourgish), highlights the growing threats to press freedom and points to attacks on journalists in many countries. In particular, it denounces the increasing use of spyware and/or SLAPPs against media professionals. “If we want to protect democracy, we have to protect independent, investigative journalism”, the rapporteur summarised, following the vote.
The report deplores the lack of a “specific legal or policy framework” dedicated to protecting journalists “at global scale”, as well as the lack of “reliable data on the situation of journalists facing hostile working environments”.
It therefore calls on the European External Action Service (EEAS) and EU delegations abroad to put in place contingency plans to protect journalists and to develop “a structured approach to supporting journalists who face digital threats”.
Furthermore, it calls on the European Commission and Member States “to promote sustainable measures in all their agreements and partnerships with third countries aimed at financing and supporting independent journalism”.
The European Parliament’s Committee on Culture (CULT), which was asked to give an opinion on the text, also highlighted the “media deserts” and the precariousness of the press (see EUROPE 13132/24).
The report: https://aeur.eu/f/718 ; and the amendments: https://aeur.eu/f/719 (Original version in French by Hélène Seynaeve)