Czech Republic: Ministry of Foreign Affairs excludes journalist from press conference
On 31 July, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prevented Zdislava Pokorná, a journalist working for the independent daily newspaper Deník N, from attending a press conference. The ministry claimed that the conference was not intended for “alternative” or “conspiracy” media. The European and International Federations of Journalists (EFJ-IFJ) join their affiliate, the Syndicate of…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/04/czech-republic-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-excludes-journalist-from-press-conference/
On 31 July, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prevented Zdislava Pokorná, a journalist working for the independent daily newspaper Deník N, from attending a press conference. The ministry claimed that the conference was not intended for “alternative” or “conspiracy” media. The European and International Federations of Journalists (EFJ-IFJ) join their affiliate, the Syndicate of…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/04/czech-republic-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-excludes-journalist-from-press-conference/
Greece: Major victory for press freedom as anti-SLAPP legislation is passed
The European and International Federations of Journalists (EFJ-IFJ) join their Greek affiliates, in welcoming the adoption on 31 July of a new legislative framework protecting against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).
Following key interventions by EFJ-IFJ affiliate, the Journalists’ Union of Athens Daily Newspapers (JUADN), during both the public consultation…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/05/greece-major-victory-for-press-freedom-as-anti-slapp-legislation-is-passed/
The European and International Federations of Journalists (EFJ-IFJ) join their Greek affiliates, in welcoming the adoption on 31 July of a new legislative framework protecting against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).
Following key interventions by EFJ-IFJ affiliate, the Journalists’ Union of Athens Daily Newspapers (JUADN), during both the public consultation…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/05/greece-major-victory-for-press-freedom-as-anti-slapp-legislation-is-passed/
Albania: New internal GJKKO Regulation represents an alarming regression in judicial transparency and professional working conditions for journalists in Albania
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) project, joins its Albanian affiliate, the Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH), in raising concerns over the new internal Regulation of the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) which introduces…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/05/albania-new-internal-gjkko-regulation-represents-an-alarming-regression-in-judicial-transparency-and-professional-working-conditions-for-journalists-in-albania/
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) project, joins its Albanian affiliate, the Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH), in raising concerns over the new internal Regulation of the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) which introduces…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/05/albania-new-internal-gjkko-regulation-represents-an-alarming-regression-in-judicial-transparency-and-professional-working-conditions-for-journalists-in-albania/
Belarus: Imprisonment and exile of journalists continues six years on from the fraudulent presidential election
Six years on from the fraudulent Belarusian elections of 9 August 2020, the crackdown on press freedom in Belarus has intensified, with 21 journalists currently imprisoned and those in exile facing intimidation. The International and European Federations of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) joins their affiliate, the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), in calling…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/07/belarus-imprisonment-and-exile-of-journalists-continues-six-years-on-from-the-fraudulent-presidential-election/
Six years on from the fraudulent Belarusian elections of 9 August 2020, the crackdown on press freedom in Belarus has intensified, with 21 journalists currently imprisoned and those in exile facing intimidation. The International and European Federations of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) joins their affiliate, the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), in calling…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/07/belarus-imprisonment-and-exile-of-journalists-continues-six-years-on-from-the-fraudulent-presidential-election/
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EMFA’s first birthday with a broken promise to journalists
2025 witnessed one of the most significant institutional developments in the media sector: the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) – Regulation (EU) 2024/1083 – which became fully applicable across the European Union in August 2025.
One year after its implementation into national law – on 8 August – the overall picture falls far short…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/10/emfas-first-birthday-with-a-broken-promise-to-journalists/
2025 witnessed one of the most significant institutional developments in the media sector: the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) – Regulation (EU) 2024/1083 – which became fully applicable across the European Union in August 2025.
One year after its implementation into national law – on 8 August – the overall picture falls far short…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/10/emfas-first-birthday-with-a-broken-promise-to-journalists/
France: EFJ condemns South Region President’s defamation lawsuit against Nice-Matin and physical assault of its journalist by elected official
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) project, stands in full solidarity with the French regional daily newspaper Nice-Matin, which is currently facing a defamation lawsuit filed by Renaud Muselier, the president of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regional council. The EFJ is calling on…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/13/france-efj-condemns-south-region-presidents-defamation-lawsuit-against-nice-matin-and-physical-assault-of-its-journalist-by-elected-official/
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) project, stands in full solidarity with the French regional daily newspaper Nice-Matin, which is currently facing a defamation lawsuit filed by Renaud Muselier, the president of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regional council. The EFJ is calling on…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/13/france-efj-condemns-south-region-presidents-defamation-lawsuit-against-nice-matin-and-physical-assault-of-its-journalist-by-elected-official/
Western Balkans: Proposed sale of the ANN to Alpac Capital/European Future Media Investment requires urgent regulatory scrutiny
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), together with the Balkan Free Media Initiative (BFMI) and Article 19 Europe, today sent a letter to the European Board of Media Services (Media Board). We reiterated serious concerns regarding the proposed sale of the Adria News Network to Alpac Capital/European Future Media…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/18/western-balkans-proposed-sale-of-the-ann-to-alpac-capital-european-future-media-investment-requires-urgent-regulatory-scrutiny/
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), together with the Balkan Free Media Initiative (BFMI) and Article 19 Europe, today sent a letter to the European Board of Media Services (Media Board). We reiterated serious concerns regarding the proposed sale of the Adria News Network to Alpac Capital/European Future Media…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/18/western-balkans-proposed-sale-of-the-ann-to-alpac-capital-european-future-media-investment-requires-urgent-regulatory-scrutiny/
Hungary: Joint letter to Ministers calling for strong anti-SLAPP law
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joins the International Press Institute (IPI) and and the CASE Coalition in urging Hungary’s Minister of Justice and Minister for Social Relations and Culture to ensure the adoption of a strong anti-SLAPP law and accept the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union’s request for an in-person…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/19/hungary-joint-letter-to-ministers-calling-for-strong-anti-slapp-law/
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joins the International Press Institute (IPI) and and the CASE Coalition in urging Hungary’s Minister of Justice and Minister for Social Relations and Culture to ensure the adoption of a strong anti-SLAPP law and accept the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union’s request for an in-person…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/19/hungary-joint-letter-to-ministers-calling-for-strong-anti-slapp-law/
The silence Russia wanted: how journalist Anastasiia Hlukhovska vanished into incommunicado detention
By Valeriia Muskharina and Viktoria Malyovana, from the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU).
No contact. No charges. No legal status. This is what incommunicado detention looks like: enforced isolation from the world and one of the most profound forms of human suffering. For three years now, journalist Anastasiia Hlukhovska from occupied…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/20/the-silence-russia-wanted-how-journalist-anastasiia-hlukhovska-vanished-into-incommunicado-detention/
By Valeriia Muskharina and Viktoria Malyovana, from the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU).
No contact. No charges. No legal status. This is what incommunicado detention looks like: enforced isolation from the world and one of the most profound forms of human suffering. For three years now, journalist Anastasiia Hlukhovska from occupied…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/20/the-silence-russia-wanted-how-journalist-anastasiia-hlukhovska-vanished-into-incommunicado-detention/
Serbia: Spiral of violence against journalists intensifying in total impunity
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and the undersigned organisations raise alarm over the spiral of violence against journalists in Serbia that has intensified over the past weeks. Since our international mission to Belgrade in March, online death threats and threats of sexual violence targeting independent media professionals and their families…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/21/serbia-spiral-of-violence-against-journalists-intensifying-in-total-impunity/
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and the undersigned organisations raise alarm over the spiral of violence against journalists in Serbia that has intensified over the past weeks. Since our international mission to Belgrade in March, online death threats and threats of sexual violence targeting independent media professionals and their families…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/21/serbia-spiral-of-violence-against-journalists-intensifying-in-total-impunity/
Ukraine: NUJU launches international advisory council to strengthen support for journalists in wartime
Today, on Ukraine independence day, our Ukrainian affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) launched the International Advisory Council of the Journalists’ Solidarity Centers, a pro bono, non-governing advisory board. The new group of international experts will advise NUJU on journalists’ safety, media resilience and the strategic development of its nationwide…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/24/ukraine-nuju-launches-international-advisory-council-to-strengthen-support-for-journalists-in-wartime/
Today, on Ukraine independence day, our Ukrainian affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) launched the International Advisory Council of the Journalists’ Solidarity Centers, a pro bono, non-governing advisory board. The new group of international experts will advise NUJU on journalists’ safety, media resilience and the strategic development of its nationwide…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/24/ukraine-nuju-launches-international-advisory-council-to-strengthen-support-for-journalists-in-wartime/
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Western Balkans: ANN journalists urgently need guarantees of independence, not definitions of “desirable” journalism
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) join their affiliate the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS) in raising concerns over the response of Alpac Capital CEO Pedro Vargas David to Minister of Information and Telecommunications Boris Bratina. Rather than alleviating employees’ concerns about the future…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/27/western-balkans-ann-journalists-urgently-need-guarantees-of-independence-not-definitions-of-desirable-journalism/
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) join their affiliate the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS) in raising concerns over the response of Alpac Capital CEO Pedro Vargas David to Minister of Information and Telecommunications Boris Bratina. Rather than alleviating employees’ concerns about the future…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/27/western-balkans-ann-journalists-urgently-need-guarantees-of-independence-not-definitions-of-desirable-journalism/
Spain: Journalists harassed by anti-migrant protesters in Ceuta
On 25 and 26 August, journalists covering anti-migrant demonstrations in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, were verbally and physically harassed by protesters. The International and European Federation of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) join their Spanish affiliates in condemning these attacks and calling on the authorities to guarantee the safety of journalists and media workers.…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/28/spain-journalists-harassed-by-anti-migrant-protesters-in-ceuta/
On 25 and 26 August, journalists covering anti-migrant demonstrations in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, were verbally and physically harassed by protesters. The International and European Federation of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) join their Spanish affiliates in condemning these attacks and calling on the authorities to guarantee the safety of journalists and media workers.…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/28/spain-journalists-harassed-by-anti-migrant-protesters-in-ceuta/
Greece: Journalist Thanasis Koukakis moves his surveillance case to ECHR
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), along with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), fully supports Greek journalist Thanasis Koukakis as he brings his surveillance case before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). On 26 August, Greek journalist Thanasis Koukakis’s lawyers filed an application before the ECHR against…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/31/greece-journalist-thanasis-koukakis-moves-his-surveillance-case-to-echr/
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), along with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), fully supports Greek journalist Thanasis Koukakis as he brings his surveillance case before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). On 26 August, Greek journalist Thanasis Koukakis’s lawyers filed an application before the ECHR against…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/31/greece-journalist-thanasis-koukakis-moves-his-surveillance-case-to-echr/
Azerbaijani detained journalist Ulviyya Guliyeva: “My safety is in question, and the authorities bear responsibility for anything that happens to me”
On 27 August 2026, the mother of the journalist Ulviyya Guliyeva (also known as Ulviyya Ali), raised concerns for her daughter’s safety being held at Baku Pretrial Detention Center. Guliyeva’s detention is part of a wider crackdown on independent media in Azerbaijan, where dozens of journalists have been imprisoned since late 2023. This…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/31/azerbaijani-detained-journalist-ulviyya-guliyeva-my-safety-is-in-question-and-the-authorities-bear-responsibility-for-anything-that-happens-to-me/
On 27 August 2026, the mother of the journalist Ulviyya Guliyeva (also known as Ulviyya Ali), raised concerns for her daughter’s safety being held at Baku Pretrial Detention Center. Guliyeva’s detention is part of a wider crackdown on independent media in Azerbaijan, where dozens of journalists have been imprisoned since late 2023. This…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/08/31/azerbaijani-detained-journalist-ulviyya-guliyeva-my-safety-is-in-question-and-the-authorities-bear-responsibility-for-anything-that-happens-to-me/
Malta: EFJ condemns the failure to convict the mastermind behind the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia
One of Malta’s richest men, Yorgen Fenech, has been found not guilty of involvement in the murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. On 2 September, nearly nine years after her death in a car bombing in October 2017, a jury of six women and three men found Yorgen Fenech,…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/09/02/malta-efj-condemns-the-failure-to-convict-the-mastermind-behind-the-murder-of-daphne-caruana-galizia/
One of Malta’s richest men, Yorgen Fenech, has been found not guilty of involvement in the murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. On 2 September, nearly nine years after her death in a car bombing in October 2017, a jury of six women and three men found Yorgen Fenech,…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/09/02/malta-efj-condemns-the-failure-to-convict-the-mastermind-behind-the-murder-of-daphne-caruana-galizia/
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Malta: MFRR laments major setback after acquittal in Daphne Caruana Galizia murder trial
MFRR partners today lament the failure to convict the alleged mastermind in the trial for the murder of Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and hope that the demoralising verdict will swiftly be overturned on appeal.
On 2 September, powerful Maltese business tycoon Yorgen Fenech was cleared by a jury of any involvement in…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/09/03/malta-mfrr-laments-major-setback-after-acquittal-in-daphne-caruana-galizia-murder-trial/
MFRR partners today lament the failure to convict the alleged mastermind in the trial for the murder of Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and hope that the demoralising verdict will swiftly be overturned on appeal.
On 2 September, powerful Maltese business tycoon Yorgen Fenech was cleared by a jury of any involvement in…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/09/03/malta-mfrr-laments-major-setback-after-acquittal-in-daphne-caruana-galizia-murder-trial/
Before Ukraine’s fifth winter of full-scale war: A call to protect journalists and sustain independent media
The following is a joint appeal by the International Advisory Council of the Journalists’ Solidarity Centers to governments, international institutions, media organizations, journalists’ unions and donors, convened by EFJ affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU).
With autumn approaching, Ukrainian journalists are preparing for a fifth winter of full-scale war. Security…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/09/04/before-ukraines-fifth-winter-of-full-scale-war-a-call-to-protect-journalists-and-sustain-independent-media/
The following is a joint appeal by the International Advisory Council of the Journalists’ Solidarity Centers to governments, international institutions, media organizations, journalists’ unions and donors, convened by EFJ affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU).
With autumn approaching, Ukrainian journalists are preparing for a fifth winter of full-scale war. Security…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/09/04/before-ukraines-fifth-winter-of-full-scale-war-a-call-to-protect-journalists-and-sustain-independent-media/
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MFRR concerned: press freedom at stake in upcoming Saxony-Anhalt elections
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joins its Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners in viewing the upcoming state elections in Saxony-Anhalt with great concern. On Sunday, 6 September, a decision will also be made on press freedom and the future of the public service broadcaster Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR).
The Alternative…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/09/04/mfrr-concerned-press-freedom-at-stake-in-upcoming-saxony-anhalt-elections/
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joins its Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners in viewing the upcoming state elections in Saxony-Anhalt with great concern. On Sunday, 6 September, a decision will also be made on press freedom and the future of the public service broadcaster Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR).
The Alternative…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/09/04/mfrr-concerned-press-freedom-at-stake-in-upcoming-saxony-anhalt-elections/
MFRR Monitoring Briefing: 736 press freedom violations in the first six months of 2026
The first half of 2026 saw a wide variety of attacks on journalists, media outlets and associated individuals across Europe. These included verbal attacks as well as physical assaults, deliberate obstruction of journalistic work, and legal actions all of which challenged or restricted independent reporting.
Between January and June 2026, the Media Freedom Rapid…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/09/07/mfrr-monitoring-briefing-736-press-freedom-violations-in-the-first-six-months-of-2026/
The first half of 2026 saw a wide variety of attacks on journalists, media outlets and associated individuals across Europe. These included verbal attacks as well as physical assaults, deliberate obstruction of journalistic work, and legal actions all of which challenged or restricted independent reporting.
Between January and June 2026, the Media Freedom Rapid…
https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2026/09/07/mfrr-monitoring-briefing-736-press-freedom-violations-in-the-first-six-months-of-2026/