Press Freedom in Europe Faces Rising Threats, 709 Violations Reported

The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) has reported alarming findings about the state of press freedom across Europe. In its latest semi-annual Monitoring Report, covering January to June 2025, the Centre recorded 709 violations of press freedom. These violations affected a total of 1,249 media professionals and journalistic organizations across 36 countries, including both European Union member states and candidate countries.

The findings of this report highlight a growing concern about the safety and independence of journalists in Europe. The data shows that the working environment for media workers is becoming increasingly hostile, with threats coming from multiple directions—both online and offline.

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Mapping Media Freedom: A Detailed Look

The Monitoring Report relies on the Mapping Media Freedom database, which collects information about press freedom violations and threats against journalists. According to this database, journalists in Europe face challenges such as:

• Verbal assaults, including death threats, intimidation, and smear campaigns.

• Physical attacks on journalists or media offices.

• Assaults on property, such as vandalism or destruction of equipment.

• Legal violations, where laws are misused to intimidate or silence journalists.

• Interference in media coverage, including censorship and restrictions on reporting certain events.

The report particularly emphasizes that online attacks are the most common type of threat faced by journalists today. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and other digital channels are increasingly used to harass journalists, spread disinformation, or threaten them.

Following online attacks, journalists also face significant risks while covering protests, demonstrations, or public gatherings, where confrontations with the public, authorities, or counter-protesters can escalate. Additionally, threats occur in courts and public spaces, where journalists may be targeted while reporting legal proceedings or other public events.

Who is Behind These Attacks?

The ECPMF report also looked at who is responsible for these violations. Interestingly, the largest share of threats comes from private individuals, who were responsible for 22% of the recorded incidents. This can include angry citizens, radical groups, or others acting independently.

However, government officials and public authorities were not far behind, responsible for 21% of the attacks. This shows that journalists are often at risk not only from the public but also from those in positions of power who may try to control information or suppress critical reporting.

Police and state security forces accounted for 12% of incidents, indicating that even law enforcement, which is supposed to protect the public and journalists, can sometimes be a source of threats or harassment.

Foreign Agent Laws and Disinformation Threats

One of the most concerning trends noted in the report is the rise of foreign agent laws and disinformation about foreign media funding. Some countries have introduced laws requiring media organizations that receive funding from foreign sources to register as foreign agents.

While these laws are often presented as measures to protect national security, the ECPMF report warns that they are increasingly used to target independent media, undermine trust, and restrict press freedom. Journalists and media outlets accused of receiving foreign funding may face harassment, legal action, or public discrediting campaigns.

In some cases, disinformation narratives—false claims and misleading information—have been spread to make the public distrust foreign-funded media, even when their reporting is accurate and fair. This creates an environment where independent journalism becomes much harder to carry out.

Impact on Journalists and Media Outlets

The violations recorded in the report affect both individual journalists and media organizations. Journalists face not only physical and online threats, but also legal and financial pressures that make it difficult for them to report freely. Media outlets, especially smaller or independent ones, are particularly vulnerable.

The report highlights that these attacks are not isolated incidents. Many journalists face repeated threats, harassment, or legal challenges. This persistent pressure can lead to self-censorship, where journalists may avoid reporting certain stories for fear of retaliation.

Moreover, the hostile environment makes it harder for the public to access reliable and independent news, which is essential for a healthy democracy. When journalists are threatened or silenced, society loses an important source of information, debate, and accountability.

The Role of Authorities and Society

The ECPMF report stresses that protecting press freedom requires action from multiple stakeholders. Governments, law enforcement, civil society, and media organizations all have a role to play. Governments should ensure that laws protect journalists rather than restrict them, and that media professionals can work safely without fear of harassment or persecution.

Media organizations themselves need to invest in security training and support for their staff, both online and offline. Civil society, including citizens and advocacy groups, can help by speaking out against attacks on journalists and supporting press freedom initiatives.

A Call for Action

The semi-annual report by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom paints a sobering picture of the challenges facing journalists in Europe. With 709 violations affecting 1,249 media professionals in just six months, the situation demands urgent attention.

Online harassment, verbal threats, legal pressures, and restrictive laws are all contributing to an environment that is increasingly difficult for journalists to navigate. The rise of foreign agent laws and disinformation campaigns further complicates the situation, threatening the independence of media outlets.

Protecting press freedom is crucial not only for journalists but also for the wider public. Independent media ensures that citizens are informed, governments are accountable, and democratic processes function properly. Without strong measures to safeguard journalists and media organizations, Europe risks undermining the very foundation of a free and open society.

The report serves as a reminder that press freedom is not guaranteed and must be actively protected. Society, governments, and media organizations must work together to ensure that journalists can continue their work safely, accurately, and without fear.