Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) In a recent annual report published by the Council of Europe’s Platform to Promote the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists, alarming statistics regarding media freedom and the increasing trend of democratic backsliding in Europe have been highlighted. The report, titled “War in Europe and the Fight for the Right to Report,” sheds light on the coordinated actions taken by partner organizations, the Council of Europe, and EU institutions to address these challenges. It also proposes a number of crucial measures to enhance the protection of media freedom and journalists across Europe.
To gain insights into the report’s findings, we spoke with William Horsley, a prominent contributor to the report, about his perspective on the decline in media freedom and the key takeaways. Horsley, currently serving as the UK Chairman of the Association of European Journalists (AEJ), has played a pivotal role in championing media freedom throughout his distinguished career as a journalist with the BBC.
Reflecting on his experiences, Horsley underscores the significance of media freedom for democratic resilience. Drawing from his time reporting in East Asia during the Cold War, he witnessed firsthand how the suppression of freedom of information and expression could determine the fate of a country, whether it leaned towards democracy or dictatorship. “The freedom of expression was crucial to the country,” Horsley recalls in an interview with AEJ Belgium.
Regrettably, the report reveals that this concern is not confined to the past. It presents distressing statistics on democratic backsliding within Europe and the subsequent decline of media freedom in the region. In the past year, the number of journalists imprisoned in Europe rose by 60 percent compared to the previous year, signaling a rapid deterioration of the situation. Shockingly, the report records the highest death toll among journalists in Europe since 2015, with 13 journalists killed. While Russia recorded the highest number of harassment and intimidation cases, similar incidents were documented in countries such as Serbia, Italy, Poland, Croatia, and Greece, underscoring the pressing issues surrounding harassment and smear campaigns within the EU and beyond.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Horsley warns that European institutions, which were established in the aftermath of World War II and the Cold War, are now facing unprecedented risks. To reverse this trend and safeguard the bloc’s democratic values, he emphasizes the need for action from EU institutions, the Council of Europe, and EU member states.
One significant impediment journalists face across Europe today is the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). Tragic cases like the murder of Daphne Galizia in Malta and the lawsuit pursued by Italy’s Prime Minister Georgia Meloni against investigative journalist Roberto Saviano exemplify the dangers journalists encounter when exposing corruption and abuse of power. These incidents underscore the need for a comprehensive framework to protect journalists within domestic laws.
Horsley asserts, “Freedom of expression should be respected, but it means nothing unless it can be implemented.” Consequently, he advocates for applying pressure on member states that fail to uphold human rights and the safety of journalists. Bridging the implementation gap is an objective that Horsley and the Council of Europe are actively working towards.
While the report presents a grim picture of media freedom in Europe, it also provides numerous recommendations to combat and reverse this trend. EU institutions, member states, and the Council of Europe are urged to adopt national action plans for the safety of European journalists, allocate resources to implement them, and review laws and policies with regard to SLAPPs. Comprehensive anti-SLAPP legislation is proposed, which includes provisions for early dismissal of abusive lawsuits, burden of proof on the plaintiff, protection of journalists against excessive penalties, and dissuasive sanctions against SLAPP users.
However, the report acknowledges that the changing security landscape and the rapid dissemination of information present ongoing challenges. Horsley stresses the importance of journalists acquiring new skills to navigate the risks they face, including digital safety and media literacy. Fact-checking and media literacy organizations play a vital role in ensuring reliable information consumption for both journalists and the public.
Building trust in the digital age remains a significant obstacle. Disinformation and media capture hinder the dissemination of accurate information, and countering these challenges requires concerted efforts from European institutions, UNESCO, journalists, and the public.
Horsley reminds us that this report is not solely directed at EU institutions; it is also a call to action for the people. Holding those in power accountable is essential, whether it’s the public, journalists, governments, organizations, or stakeholders. The transformative potential of pushing for reform should not be underestimated.
While the report’s message may be direct and sobering, Horsley believes it is crucial as journalists’ reputations are tarnished through hate campaigns and disinformation propagated by those in positions of authority. “The battle for freedom of expression is being waged for everybody,” he emphasizes. Drawing lessons from the transformations witnessed in Russia and Belarus, Horsley emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting journalism as a public good. By promoting media freedom, Europe can bolster democratic resilience and ensure a brighter future for its citizens.
Brussels Morning is glad to offer a room in its columns for the Belgian section of the Association of European Journalists vzw. The AEJ Belgium is one of the most longstanding organisations gathering journalists and media professionals specialised in European affairs. More information can be found on its website: www.aej.belgium.eu
