The European Commission has outlined enhanced protections for journalists in response to a parliamentary question from MEP Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left) concerning alleged intimidation by the Greek government spokesman against journalist Christos Avramidis during coverage of a shipwreck near Chios. Commissioner Michael McGrath, in a reply due within two months, cited existing EU legal tools and upcoming initiatives under the European Democracy Shield to safeguard media freedom, without intervening directly in the specific incident.
The Commission's response references the Anti-SLAPP Directive (EU 2024/1069), which targets strategic lawsuits against public participation and has a transposition deadline of May 2026, as well as a 2021 Commission Recommendation on journalist safety. These measures aim to provide legal aid, psychological support, and safer working conditions. The reply signals a preference for strengthening EU-level frameworks rather than addressing individual cases, reinforcing a trend of increased EU oversight on national media freedom practices.
This development follows a series of EU actions on rule of law and anti-corruption. On March 25, 2026, Commissioner McGrath proposed a comprehensive EU Directive to combat corruption, harmonising definitions of offences like illicit enrichment and trading in influence. Days earlier, on March 24, he presented the 2025 Rule of Law Report to the Slovakian Parliament, emphasising objective monitoring across all member states. The Commission has also addressed media freedom concerns in Portugal: on April 14, Commissioner Virkkunen stressed that public service media independence is non-negotiable, responding to MEP Catarina Martins' question about government control over the Lusa news agency. That same day, Portugal reported progress on its national anti-corruption agenda, with 17 of 42 measures completed, including a Lobby Law and a restructured National Anti-Corruption Mechanism (MENAC).
The Commission's stance on journalist protection also aligns with broader EU initiatives. On April 14, Commissioner Hadja Lahbib proposed a Gender Equality Strategy with 30 actions, including measures to combat violence against women. Meanwhile, on April 8, Commissioner Šefčovič clarified that the European Centre for Democratic Resilience (ECDR) is a coordination hub, not an oversight body, addressing concerns from MEPs about its role. The Commission has also signalled caution on pension withdrawals for former Commissioners under scrutiny, as President von der Leyen noted on April 10.
Journalists and media professionals stand to benefit from these EU protections, gaining legal support against intimidation and SLAPPs. Member States may face increased obligations to implement directives, potentially straining national sovereignty. Civil society organisations are expected to welcome the measures as enhancing transparency and democratic debate. The Commission's forward-looking approach, including planned high-level events and a review of recommendations, indicates sustained engagement on media freedom across the EU.
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