CPJ releases report on EU’s progress on press freedom

The EU traditionally has been considered among the world’s safest and freest places for journalists. However, reporters working in its 27 member states are under increasing pressure, with several killed because of their work.

Others have been censored, spied upon, harassed online, overwhelmed with disinformation, subjected to vexatious lawsuits, charged with revealing state secrets, beaten while covering street protests, banned from public meetings, or publicly criticized by politicians.

In “Fragile Progress,” a new special report by CPJ, Jean-Paul Marthoz and Tom Gibson examine how these developments have forced EU institutions to find ways to push their 27 member states to uphold their commitments to freedom of expression.

Based on CPJ research and interviews with journalists, press freedom advocates, and EU insiders, the report finds that much progress has been made, but combating entrenched pressure on and threats to journalists in Europe—and setting an effective example for governments around the world—still requires improved and sustained action from Brussels.

Read CPJ’s press release on “Fragile Progress”.

Report prequel: Read “Balancing Act: Press freedom at risk as EU struggles to match action with values,” CPJ’s 2015 report on the European Union.

Consider CPJ’s full list of recommendations to EU institutions and member states on protecting independent media and journalist safety.

CPJ (Committee to Protect Journalists)