“Democracy cannot exist without a free press,” EU says at World Press Freedom Day 2026
On World Press Freedom Day, celebrated on 3 May, the European Union reaffirmed its resolute commitment to defend free, pluralistic, independent and qualitative journalism against the pressure mounting around the world.
“Democracy cannot exist without a free press. Independent media is a cornerstone of any democratic society. Access to media, along with freedom of expression are not ‘nice to haves’, they are fundamental human rights,” EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said in a statement on behalf of the European Union. “International law is clear: journalists must be protected at all times. They must be able to carry out their work freely, without undue interference, fear of violence, harassment, intimidation, persecution or expulsion.”
Kallas added that this was especially critical in conflict zones, where journalists shed light on the realities of war, including atrocities and potential war crimes.
At the same time, 2025 was the deadliest year for journalists worldwide ever recorded: “The killing of journalists and media professionals – as we have seen in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and in the current conflicts in the Middle East, recently in Gaza and in Lebanon as well as in Africa – should be fully investigated and those responsible must be held accountable,” Kallas said.
She also said that the EU was decrying intimidation and repression against journalists taken by authoritarian regimes across the world, saying that governments must set a solid legal framework to protect their journalists from abusive court proceedings.
Kallas also highlighted that the EU supports independent platforms and journalists through partnership with organisations such as the European Endowment for Democracy and also supports the vital UN efforts to protect journalists and media workers globally, including by working together with UNESCO. Also, at the regional level, the EU works with other organisations, such as the Council of Europe and the OSCE, to uphold the rights of journalists and the freedom of the media.
“At home and around the world, the European Union will continue to defend press freedom,” Kallas’ statement concluded.
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