Europe may be the leading region in the world when it comes to press freedom, but in its latest report, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) warns that the situation on the continent is deteriorating.
Funding cuts from major donors are threatening newsrooms, especially independent ones, with some outlets having to contend with the end of American aid and the strengthening of Russian propaganda.
“Today, Donald Trump is as much a threat to the media in Europe as Vladimir Putin”, said Pavol Szalai, the head of the EU-Balkans office at RSF.
Norway, Estonia and the Netherlands top the RSF press freedom ranking and in contrast, Greece, Serbia and Kosovo are the continent’s lowest-ranked countries, coming in at 89th, 96th and 99th place respectively out of 180 countries.
Within the European Union, Greece is in last place.
“In Greece, press freedom is really stifled by the impunity of crimes committed against journalists. I’m talking about the murder of journalist Giorgos Karaïvaz in 2021. There has been a trial and the accused were acquitted,” Szalai said.
“There has also been the biggest surveillance of journalists in the EU. In Greece, more than 10 media professionals were targeted by Predator spyware, which gave its name to the now-famous Predatorgate affair,” he added.
Hungary, criticised for its attacks on the rule of law, is in 68th place, ranking higher than Greece “because journalists are not killed or imprisoned there”, explained Szalai.
However, he pointed out that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán uses other means to control information.
“80% of the media are controlled by Orbán’s friends. And in this respect, Orbán has steadily tightened his grip on the media,” he said.
Europe is in the lead, but…
While Europe remains the safest place for the media, Reporters Without Borders cautioned the EU to remain vigilant.
“Press freedom has deteriorated further in Europe,” said Szalai.
However, the EU does have the legislative means to protect journalists after “the adoption last year of the European Act on Freedom of the Media, which is a historic legislation.”
The act aims to strengthen the independence of newsrooms, protect sources and ensure greater transparency in media ownership.
It also aims to protect journalists against all forms of espionage. But the regulations are not applied in the same way by all member states, said Szalai.
Reporters Without Borders is calling on European governments to introduce measures to help the media, with the NGO giving the need for innovative funding models or tax breaks as examples.
The organisation also wants digital platforms to defend and promote credible media outlets.
“Unfortunately, today’s platforms tend to promote rumours and propaganda rather than reliable information,” said Szalai.
He said there is a need for member states to fund the media after the vacuum created by the United States’ financial and political withdrawal.
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