In 2025, Italy launched a series of initiatives aimed at improving the safety and protection of journalists working in conflict zones and other dangerous environments. Following consultations initiated by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the “Giornalisti Sicuri – La necessità di raccontare, l’obbligo di tutelare” (“Safe Journalism – The Need to Report, the Obligation to Protect”) workshop was held in Rome on 26 September 2025. The event brought together institutions, journalists’ organisations and media professionals to discuss safety, wellbeing, training and protection mechanisms for journalists operating in high-risk contexts.

The discussions highlighted the importance of specialised training, logistical support, insurance coverage and cooperation between journalists and public institutions. At the conclusion of the workshop, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented a set of good practices for journalists and media actors working in dangerous environments.

These discussions directly informed the adoption of Law Decree No. 201 of 31 December 2025, which introduced mandatory safety training and insurance coverage for freelance journalists assigned to war zones or areas at high risk of armed conflict. Publishers may receive public financial support covering training and insurance costs through the Fund for Pluralism and Digital Innovation.