#post_contentThe EU calls for stronger journalist protection and accountability for attacks, revealing that nearly 13,000 journalists at risk have received support since 2015.The European Union has urged governments around the world to strengthen protections for journalists and ensure that perpetrators of crimes against media workers are brought to justice. In a joint statement issued ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, observed on November 2, the EU warned that violence against journalists

The European Union has urged governments around the world to strengthen protections for journalists and ensure that perpetrators of crimes against media workers are brought to justice.

In a joint statement issued ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, observed on November 2, the EU warned that violence against journalists weakens the foundations of democratic societies.

The statement was issued on November 1 by European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, and Commissioner Michael McGrath.

“Attacks on journalists are attacks on democracy,” the EU declared, emphasising that journalists must be able to report freely and safely.

The statement highlights a continuing global problem in which media workers face killings, torture, harassment, detention and forced exile because of their professional work, particularly when covering sensitive political, security and human rights issues.

Nearly 13,000 journalists have received EU-supported assistance

The EU used the occasion to highlight its support for journalists facing threats through ProtectDefenders.eu, a protection mechanism established in 2015.

According to the statement, nearly 13,000 journalists at risk have received assistance through the initiative since its establishment, including 686 in 2025 alone.

The programme provides different forms of support, including emergency assistance, relocation and capacity building for journalists whose safety is threatened.

The European Commission also disclosed that it had launched more than 100 projects in 56 countries by the end of 2025, alongside wider programmes supporting independent media globally.

These interventions reflect growing international concern over the risks faced by journalists reporting on corruption, political developments, armed conflicts and human rights violations.

Online harassment and legal pressure among emerging threats

The EU noted that threats against journalists are no longer limited to physical attacks.

Media workers increasingly face coordinated online harassment, unlawful surveillance and campaigns intended to damage their credibility or discourage them from reporting.

Other threats identified include transnational repression, abusive lawsuits, economic pressure and foreign interference.

Women journalists were singled out as particularly vulnerable, with the statement noting that they are disproportionately targeted by both state and non-state actors.

Journalists reporting from armed conflict zones face additional dangers. The EU stressed that international humanitarian law recognises journalists as civilians who must be protected at all times.

It called for attacks and intimidation against journalists to be investigated promptly, independently and effectively.

Failure to punish perpetrators creates a wider problem

The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists draws attention to a persistent challenge in media freedom: crimes against journalists can go without effective investigation or prosecution.

When those responsible are not held accountable, the consequences reach beyond the affected journalist or media organisation.

Fear of retaliation can discourage journalists from investigating corruption, exposing abuses of authority or reporting on matters of public interest.

This can leave citizens without information necessary to understand decisions affecting their lives and to hold public institutions accountable.

The EU therefore called on all governments to protect journalists, investigate crimes committed against them and ensure that those responsible face justice.

The statement cited figures from international media organisations illustrating the continuing scale of the problem. The International Federation of Journalists had reported 15 journalists killed in 2026, while the Committee to Protect Journalists had recorded 34 killings at the time of the statement.

The figures differ because the organisations apply their respective monitoring and verification methodologies.

EU outlines measures to strengthen media independence

The EU also highlighted measures it has introduced to support media freedom within its own jurisdiction.

These include the European Media Freedom Act, which entered into application across the EU in August 2025, and measures aimed at addressing Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, commonly referred to as SLAPPs.

SLAPPs are legal proceedings that can impose significant financial and legal burdens on journalists, activists and others participating in public debate, potentially discouraging scrutiny and criticism.

Under its European Democracy Shield initiative, the European Commission has also committed to updating its Recommendation on the Safety of Journalists and strengthening support for existing protections against abusive litigation.

The Commission further said its annual Rule of Law Reports would continue monitoring media freedom and pluralism across EU member states and selected countries seeking closer ties with the bloc.

A global call to defend the role of journalism

The EU’s message extends beyond Europe, highlighting the importance of creating an environment in which journalists can carry out their work without fear of violence, intimidation or unlawful interference.

Journalism plays a central role in informing the public, documenting events, investigating wrongdoing and providing scrutiny of those exercising power.

Protecting journalists is therefore not simply an issue concerning media organisations. It is also about protecting the public’s ability to access information and participate meaningfully in society.

As the world marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the EU has called on governments to translate their commitments into action by ensuring that attacks are investigated and perpetrators brought to justice.

The message is clear: press freedom requires more than declarations of support. It requires the protection of journalists and accountability when that protection is violated.

Zambian Eye

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