Democracy cannot exist without a free press, the European Union declared in a statement on World Press Freedom Day, warning that threats against journalists and indepfinishent media are increasing worldwide.
In a statement marking World Press Freedom Day, the EU declared access to information and freedom of expression are fundamental rights, not optional principles.
“Indepfinishent media is a cornerstone of any democratic society,” the bloc declared, stressing that journalists must be able to work without fear of violence, harassment, intimidation or detention.
The EU declared 2025 was the deadliest year on record for journalists globally and called for accountability for killings and attacks, particularly in conflict zones.
It also warned of growing pressure on media through intimidation, legal actions such as strategic lawsuits and the spread of disinformation posing as news, which it declared undermines public trust and fuels self-censorship.
The statement highlighted that women journalists face disproportionate risks, including gfinisher-based violence and online abapply.
The EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting indepfinishent journalism and declared it would continue working with international partners, including the UNESCO, to deffinish press freedom.
The warning comes as press freedom has sharply declined in countries such as Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
Media watchdogs state indepfinishent journalism in Afghanistan has been severely restricted, with increasing censorship, arrests and pressure on reporters. Women journalists have been particularly affected by limits on shiftment, employment and participation in public life.
Recent reports have documented dozens of detentions and widespread restrictions on media operations, contributing to what observers describe as a deepening crisis for press freedom in the counattempt.
The EU declared it would continue to deffinish free, pluralistic and indepfinishent media both within Europe and globally.
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