On the occasion of the launch of their 2024 annual report in Thessaloniki, Greece, the Secretariat of the Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists – Journalists Matter, met with the Partners of the Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists (the Platform). 

Rodica Ciochina, Campaign Manager, and Artemiza-Tatiana Chisca, Head of the Freedom of Expression and CDMSI Division, had an exchange with the representatives of the partner organisations of the Platform to explore potential synergies and cooperation within the Journalists Matter Campaign.

The Platform Partners were informed regarding the Steering Committee for Media and Information Society (CDMSI) activities and recently adopted tools in the area of media freedom and safety of journalists. The CDMSI is also the intergovernmental body tasked with coordinating the Journalists Matter Campaign following the decision taken in the Conference of Ministers responsible for media and information society of the Council of Europe member States. 

The Campaign Secretariat explained the Campaign objectives, structure, roadmap, interaction with its focal points, and the latest activities under the Campaign from the Council of Europe and in member States. 

On 5th March, the Campaign Secretariat participated in the launch of the Platform annual report, "Press Freedom in Europe - Time to Turn the Tide", which assesses the major issues undermining press freedom – including threats and intimidation, detention, restrictive legislation, abusive lawsuits, media capture, and attacks on public service media - and issues recommendations to address them. 

The Partners expressed their support for the Campaign, encouraging the use of the findings of the report when addressing issues on the safety of journalists in member States. 

Further cooperation and synchronisation of activities between Partners and the Campaign Secretariat were also discussed within the meeting. 

The inclusive multi-stakeholder dialogue of relevant actors, who have a role in journalists’ safety on the national and international level, will be a central point throughout the Campaign. This shall result in common activities and cooperation aiming at creating a safer environment for journalists in the performance of their duty, combating impunity, as well as raising awareness about their crucial role in informing the public.