Media pluralism and freedom in the European Union

Freedom of expression is one of the foundations of a democratic and pluralistic society. Its corollary is access for everyone to accurate, reliable and timely information, a key precondition for informed public participation. The role of the media and journalists in seeking out, verifying and distributing information is crucial.

States have the responsibility to provide adequate safeguards, both through law and practice, for the effective enjoyment and protection of freedom of expression, including by creating an enabling environment for free and responsible media to flourish and play their essential role in democracy.

The Council of Europe is well placed to help prevent and address the threats to the exercise of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, both offline and in the online environment.

latest news

Back Media pluralism and freedom in the European Union

On 11 July 2017 the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs of the European Parliament (LIBE) held a public hearing on Media Pluralism and freedom in the EU. In the opening of the meeting, the Chair and the rapporteur, MEP Spinelly underlined that all European Union Member States, being also Member States of the Council of Europe, should be encouraged by the EU to enforce the Council of Europe recommendations on the issue and use the tools that are provided.

On behalf of the Council of Europe, Marilyn Clark, Assistant Professor at the University of Malta, presented the highlights of the “2017 Report by the Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland”, specifically that many member states fail to guarantee an enabling environment for journalists and that imprisonment of journalists has reached unprecedented numbers. She continued with a presentation of her study for the Council of Europe called: “Journalists under pressure - Unwarranted interference, fear and self-censorship in Europe”. The research drew its results from 940 journalists from the Council of Europe member states and Belarus. Regrettably, the vast majority did not feel protected against targeted surveillance, almost half reported fear that the ability to protect sources was compromised, and around a quarter reported to have experienced judicial intimidation.

As regards remedies, the Council of Europe communicates widely and engages member states in dialogue on all serious threats to media freedom reported on its on-line Platform to promote the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists.

Full meeting report available here.

Brussels 22 July 2017

Diminuer la taille du texte
Augmenter la taille du texte
Imprimer la page

View all news

In time of conflict

The right to freedom of expression and information constitutes one of the essential foundations of democratic society. In conflict situations and wars, the role of the media is critical in providing the public with accurate and timely information. Trustworthy news and images can contribute to the protection of civilians and conflict prevention, bring to the attention of the international community the horrors and reality of conflict and expose violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Visit the "Freedom of expression in times of conflict" webpage

Journalists Matter Campaign

Journalists Matter, the Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists is an initiative aiming to promote press freedom and protect journalists from violence, threats, and harassment while performing their duties. As part of this Campaign, the Council of Europe is inviting everyone to support their cause, take action for their enhanced protection, while raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding journalists and their right to report the news freely and without fear.

Visit the "Campaign for the Safety of Journalists" webpage