FPU contributes to EU Rule of Law report on press freedom
Free Press Unlimited (FPU), together with partners from the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) coalition, has contributed input to the European Commission’s annual Rule of Law reports. The contributions focus on press freedom and media pluralism in 15 EU Member States and candidate countries.
The joint MFRR contributions paint a worrying picture of media freedom in Europe. In 2025, Mapping Media Freedom recorded 1,481 press freedom violations affecting a total of 2,377 journalists and media professionals. Journalists faced particular risks during elections and protests, while online intimidation continues to rise. Impunity for violence against journalists also remains a serious concern.
FPU’s contribution focuses specifically on the Netherlands, highlighting concerns related to access to public information (WOO) and the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) targeting journalists and media outlets.
Through these contributions, the MFRR calls on the European Commission and EU Member States to seriously follow up on the recommendations of the Rule of Law report and to actively strengthen press freedom and pluralism, including through robust implementation of the European Media Freedom Act.
Read the full statement and recommendations below.
