The Council of Europe Steering Committee on Media and Information Society led Journalists Matter Campaign, participated in the launch consultation seminar on the development of a National Action Plan (NAP) for the Safety of Journalists in Greece, organised by the Secretariat General for Communication and Media of the Presidency of the Government. The event brought together government representatives, journalists’ organisations, media professionals, law enforcement authorities, academia, international organisations and other key stakeholders to discuss priorities, challenges and practical measures for strengthening the safety of journalists in the country.
Opening the discussions, Greek authorities reaffirmed their commitment to developing a comprehensive and inclusive National Action Plan, supported by a multi-stakeholder Task Force already established to steer the process. The consultations addressed a broad range of issues, including physical safety and reporting in conflict situations, countering SLAPPs, digital safety and online harassment, as well as ensuring that journalist safety measures are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all media professionals.
As part of the panel on international experience and good practices, the Council of Europe presented the Journalists Matter Campaign and shared lessons learned from supporting member States in the development and implementation of national action plans and coordination mechanisms. The presentation highlighted that National Action Plans are among the most effective tools for translating Council of Europe standards into practical measures, provided they are based on evidence, developed through broad stakeholder participation and supported by sustainable implementation structures. Particular emphasis was placed on the four pillars of Recommendation CM/Rec(2016)4, prevention, protection, prosecution and promotion, and on the importance of moving beyond the adoption of plans towards their effective implementation.
The event also highlighted the Council of Europe cooperation activities which can contribute to the implementation of the Campaign. Participants were presented with concrete examples and good practices through co-operation initiatives implemented at the national level and including legal opinions, policy advice, capacity-building and training for representatives of public authorities, legal and media professionals and civil society organisations. Discussions further explored how these initiatives can support the implementation of Greece’s National Action Plan. Particular emphasis was placed on the synergies with the RESIST project, the first Council of Europe co-operation project implemented in Greece dedicated to countering and building resilience to disinformation. The project includes protection of journalists and quality journalism as essential preconditions for countering disinformation.
The launch of the consultation process marks an important step in Greece’s efforts to strengthen the protection of journalists and media freedom. The Council of Europe remains ready to support the Greek authorities and all stakeholders involved as the National Action Plan is developed and implemented, in line with the objectives of the Journalists Matter Campaign and broader European efforts to safeguard freedom of expression and democratic participation.
