Organised under the Moldovan Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the event aims to address one of the key conditions for resilient democracies: a safe, pluralistic, and trusted information environment. Independent and quality journalism is a cornerstone of democratic life, and when journalists are exposed to intimidation, disinformation-driven harassment, or political pressure, democratic debate is weakened and public trust in institutions is eroded. In this context, the conference contributes to broader Council of Europe efforts to strengthen democratic resilience, and to the New Democratic Pact.

Held within the framework of the Journalists Matter Campaign (2023–2027) and focusing on its prevention pillar, the event advances the Campaign’s shift from reactive responses towards early, systemic, and sustainable prevention. This forward-looking approach echoes wider priorities to anticipate risks, strengthen institutional and societal resilience, and act before harm occurs. By bringing together public authorities, journalists, media regulators, civil society, youth actors, and international partners, the conference promotes prevention as a shared responsibility.

The event highlights journalists’ safety and quality journalism as mutually reinforcing pillars of democratic resilience, recognising that ethical and trusted journalism reduces vulnerability to polarisation, manipulation, and violence, while effective safety frameworks enable journalists to fulfil their public-interest role. By addressing disinformation, electoral interference, and investigative reporting in high-risk contexts, the conference underlines that protecting journalists is closely linked to safeguarding democratic processes, including elections.

Through a dedicated youth dimension, the conference also reflects the inclusive spirit of the New Democratic Pact, engaging young people as informed citizens and contributors to prevention efforts. In doing so, it offers a practical space where the objectives of the Journalists Matter Campaign align with the Council of Europe’s broader democratic agenda, translating standards into concrete action to strengthen trust, participation, and democratic resilience across Europe.

• Recommendation CM/Rec(2016)4 on the protection of journalism and safety of journalists and other media actors
• Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)4 on promoting a favourable environment for quality journalism in the digital age
• Implementation guide “How to protect journalists and other media actors?”
• Pocket guide: Key actions for improved safety of journalists