04 May 2017

According to a declaration by the High Representative, Federica Mogherini, on behalf of the European Union (EU) for World Press Day, “a free press and freedom of expression are among the very same foundations of democracy, contribute to stable, inclusive and resilient societies and can help defuse tensions and contain conflicts.”

It further states that independent media are very vital in ensuring participatory democracy as it is responsible for reporting on matters that interest the public. “Its role of being a ‘public’s watchdog’ ensures that governments are held accountable for their actions and also that there is a free-flow of well-researched information.”

The statement states that the EU supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes ensuring universal access to information and protection of freedom of expression.

“The EU ensures that respect for freedom of expression is integrated in all EU policies and development programmes. The EU is notably funding specific projects in third countries enhancing quality of journalism, access to public information and freedom of expression.”

Since June 2015, the EU has supported at least 45 endangered Human Rights Defenders that promote the right of freedom of expression under its small grant scheme, the release says.

The EU condemns the increase of threats and violations against journalists and media professional offline and in cyberspace.

The declaration explains that all countries are expected to ensure the safety of journalists by providing a supportive legal environment and prosecuting all attacks against journalists.

“The EU consistently opposes  in bilateral contacts with third countries as well as in multilateral and regional for any legislation, regulation or political pressure that limits freedom of expression and takes concrete steps to prevent and respond to attacks against journalists and bloggers,” the declaration notes.

The EU is determined to promote freedom of opinion and of expression as rights to be exercised by everyone everywhere based on the principles of equality, non-discrimination and universality, through any media and regardless of frontiers, as this is has been reaffirmed by the guidelines on freedom of expression online and offline, adopted in 2014. ENDS