A free press is the heartbeat of democracy. Society depends on journalists who shine a light on injustice and hold those in power accountable. Yet across the world, journalists continue to be killed, tortured, harassed, detained and forced into exile. The International Federation of Journalists reported how fatal the pursuit of truth has been in many parts of the world in 2025. International humanitarian law is clear: journalists are civilians and must be protected at all times. Every attack against them must be investigated promptly, independently, and effectively. All perpetrators must be held to account.

The EU supports independent journalism worldwide and provides protection to those at risk. We also work to address the growing threats in the digital sphere, where journalists increasingly face coordinated harassment, unlawful surveillance, and campaigns designed to discredit or intimidate them.

In the EU, fostering media pluralism and media freedom has been at the heart of the EU efforts to strengthen democracy and the rule of law. the European Media Freedom Act has put in place strong safeguards for media and journalists, ensuring they can carry out their work, without undue pressure. The European Commission continues to monitor developments related to media freedom and pluralism, including as regards the safety and protection of journalists in all EU Member States, as well as in certain enlargement countries, through the annual Rule of Law Reports.

The work of journalists enables societies to see clearly – and to act. On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, we call on all States to uphold their obligations: to protect journalists and to guarantee accountability.