The International Press Institute (IPI) and Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) have welcomed the EU Democracy Shield initiative and the European Parliament’s Special Committee’s Rapporteur’s draft report published on 21 January, and call for concrete implementation plans. They acknowledge the initiative’s strong focus on media freedom, journalist safety, and Anti-SLAPP measures, while stressing that political commitments must be translated into concrete and enforceable action. They also recognise the Draft Report’s emphasis on the role of media within the next MFF, alongside the need for sustainable mechanisms to ensure the viability and long-term financing of independent media.They stress stronger protections for media freedom, journalist safety, and independent media, including long-term funding, Anti-SLAPP measures, and decriminalisation of defamation. They also call on the EP to set out clear steps to strengthen journalist safety, provide sustained support for journalists in exile, and ensure the effective enforcement of existing EU legislation, including the EMFA, the DSA, and related EU acts. Read more here.
Source: IPI
