Věra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, said:
The tragic assassination of investigative journalist Giorgos Karaivaz has reminded us, once again, that we must strengthen our efforts in the protection of journalists. We are currently working on recommendations directed to Member States, having sought feedback on measures such as hotlines, trainings and awareness-raising among the police and judiciary.
Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, added:
Those who provide us with information must also benefit from the highest standards of protection in their work, both online and offline. It is essential to ensure the digital safety and independence of journalists in our efforts to protect our values, democracies and rule of law. Our task is to design a European standard for the protection of journalists.
In preparation of the initiative, the Commission organised a structured dialogue within the first edition of the European News Media Forum. The Recommendation, which will be presented later in the year, will tackle physical and online safety issues drawing particular attention to gender and minority-based attacks. This Recommendation - which is fully aligned with an upcoming initiative to curb the abusive use of lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) - is part of a broader set of actions aimed at addressing the threats to journalists and strengthening media freedom and pluralism in the EU.