The EU Democracy Shield must do more to protect press freedom
The EU Democracy Shield rightly acknowledges the importance of independent media for democratic resilience. However, its impact will ultimately depend on how effectively it addresses the concrete risks journalists and media outlets face today.
Online violence and harassment against journalists continue to increase, making strong and accessible enforcement of the Digital Services Act essential. Appeals and protection mechanisms must reflect the realities journalists face on the ground and provide timely, meaningful safeguards against abuse and disinformation.
The Shield also needs to respond more effectively to the growing repression of journalists worldwide. Support for journalists in exile remains largely short-term, while transnational repression, an increasingly common cross-border threat, is not yet sufficiently recognised or addressed through coordinated EU response.
In addition, the fight against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) requires more than political commitment. Consistent implementation and enforcement of the Anti-SLAPP Directive are crucial to prevent journalists from being financially and psychologically drained by abusive legal action.
The Democracy Shield offers an important framework. To fulfil its promise, it must now be strengthened with concrete measures, durable investment and clear accountability to ensure that media freedom is protected in practice.
Read the full statement here.
