On this World Press Freedom Day, we reaffirm the fundamental role of a free, independent, and safe press in democratic societies. Across the Council of Europe’s 46 member States—and beyond—journalists continue to face growing threats to their safety, their integrity, and their right to inform. Today, we stand with them.

Just a couple of days ago, the Council of Europe, under the auspices of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, organised the Annual Thematic Conference of the Journalists Matter Campaign, under the theme “Building the Paradigm Against Impunity.” The conference brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders—journalists, prosecutors, judges, media regulators, civil society, and state authorities—to examine ways to more effectively address - investigate, prosecute and sanction - crimes against journalists. The conference outcomes serve as a powerful reminder that States, including law enforcement and the judiciary, have a key role in ensuring appropriate conditions for free, pluralist and safe media and journalism.  

The Journalists Matter Campaign, launched in 2023 as part of mandate of the Committee for Media and Information Society of the Council of Europe (CDMSI) and under the authority of the Committee of Ministers and running through 2027, remains one of the Council of Europe’s flagship initiatives to promote the safety of journalists. It is rooted in the principles of the 2016 Recommendation on the protection of journalism and safety of journalists and other media actors, and built around four essential pillars: prevention, protection, prosecution, and the promotion of a favourable environment for free and safe journalism.

Through the Campaign, we are working with member States, media organizations and other relevant stakeholders to support the development of national coordination structures and action plans. This collaborative effort is vital for translating international standards into concrete measures that protect media professionals on the ground.

But beyond policy and frameworks, this day is about people—those who risk their lives to speak truth to power, who expose injustice, inform the public, and hold institutions accountable. The work they do is essential for democracy. The risks they take are real. And our duty to protect them is non-negotiable.

On this World Press Freedom Day, let us send a clear message: no journalist should face threats, violence or persecution for doing their job. The Council of Europe Committee for Media and Information Society will continue to work with member States and all those concerned to turn this principle into practice—through laws, policies, dialogue, and collective action.

Freedom of the press cannot exist where fear prevails. Freedom of the media is freedom for all of us, and journalist safety is not a privilege—it is a democratic necessity. Let us defend it—today and every day.

Maja Zaric
CDMSI Chair