A Joint Statement on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists was delivered by Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen alongside key EU leaders, highlighting the persistent threats journalists face worldwide and the EU's commitment to countering these dangers.
EU’s Concrete Measures and Funding Since 2015, through the ProtectDefender.EU mechanism, nearly 13,000 journalists at risk have received direct EU support, with 943 cases addressed between September 2024 and August 2025. Two newly launched projects amounting to €20 million target media independence in over 40 countries, focusing on vulnerable groups such as women journalists, minority reporters, and news-deprived regions. The statement also underscored the European Media Freedom Act, operational since August 2025, which strengthens legal safeguards against undue pressure on media, including measures against abusive Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).
Directions and Policy Orientations Virkkunen’s message emphasizes bolstering EU institutional strength to monitor media freedom and safety, pushing for greater accountability for crimes against journalists both within and beyond EU borders. Policy efforts reveal a tilt towards increasing EU powers in enforcing media protection provisions while fostering media pluralism and digital security for journalists.
Stakeholder Impacts Journalists stand to gain robust legal protections and EU-funded support programs enhancing their safety and capacity. Media companies may experience increased regulatory oversight aimed at safeguarding independence but could also face constraints on litigations perceived as abusive. National authorities are called on to intensify investigations and uphold accountability standards, potentially increasing administrative burdens. EU taxpayers underwrite these financing initiatives, supporting democracy through funding but also shouldering budgetary commitment.
This statement reflects Commissioner Virkkunen’s firm stance on media freedom as a cornerstone of democracy, advocating focused and funded interventions to shield journalists from threats in both physical and digital realms.
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