BRIEFING NOTE FOR WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2026: Team Europe Democracy

(c) Council of the European Union

World Press Freedom Day 2026: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union

Democracy cannot exist without a free press. Independent media is a cornerstone of any democratic society. Access to media, along with freedom of expression are not ‘nice to haves’, they are fundamental human rights.

International law is clear: journalists must be protected at all times. They must be able to carry out their work freely, without undue interference, fear of violence, harassment, intimidation, persecution or expulsion. This is especially critical in conflict zones, where journalists shed light on the realities of war, including atrocities and potential war crimes.

Across the world, the killing, injuring, and threatening, as well as the arbitrary detention, forcing into exile and silencing of journalists, has become a shocking reality. Women journalists are disproportionately targeted by gender-based violence, including online harassment and abuse, further silencing critical voices. 2025 was the deadliest year for journalists worldwide ever recorded. The killing of journalists and media professionals – as we have seen in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and in the current conflicts in the Middle East, recently in Gaza and in Lebanon as well as in Africa - should be fully investigated and those responsible must be held accountable.

Furthermore, the right to information is under growing threat. Intimidation – online and offline, along with Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) – risk fostering a behaviour of self-censorship amongst journalists. We decry intimidation and repression against journalists taken by authoritarian regimes across the world, notably including violence and repression by the Iranian regime. Governments must set a solid legal framework to protect their journalists from abusive court proceedings. Cutting networks of foreign correspondents today only leaves a greater void for dangerous unverified information to circulate. In parallel, outlets posing as media, are spreading fake news and echoing those in power instead of holding them accountable. The consequence is that citizens are increasingly inundated with propaganda and disinformation, disguised as news.

On this World Press Freedom Day, the European Union reaffirms its resolute commitment to defend free, pluralistic, independent and qualitative journalism against this mounting pressure. Through partnership with organisations such as the European Endowment for Democracy, we support independent platforms and journalists. The EU supports the vital UN efforts to protect journalists and media workers globally, including by working together with UNESCO. Also, at the regional level, the EU works with other organisations, such as the Council of Europe and the OSCE, to uphold the rights of journalists and the freedom of the media.

At home and around the world, the European Union will continue to defend press freedom.