Joint statement by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen, High Representative Kallas and Commissioner McGrath ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against

Violence against journalists undermines the very foundations of open, free and democratic societies. Yet across the world, journalists continue to be killed, tortured, harassed, detained and forced into exile simply for doing their job and holding power to account.

Journalists reporting from armed conflicts face particular danger. International humanitarian law is very clear: journalists are civilians who must be protected at all times. Any attack or act of intimidation against them must be investigated promptly, independently and effectively. Perpetrators must be held to account.

These threats extend far beyond the front line. Journalists increasingly face coordinated harassment online, unlawful surveillance and campaigns designed to discredit or silence them. Transnational repression, abusive lawsuits, economic coercion, and foreign interference put pressure on independent journalism. Women journalists are disproportionately targeted, with some state and non-state actors deliberately persecuting women human rights defenders and journalists.

The EU will continue to defend independent journalism worldwide and provide the necessary support to ensure journalists can carry out their critical work. In our human rights dialogues with partners worldwide, the EU advocates for media freedom, including by raising concrete cases of journalists facing harassment or killed for their work.

We are also increasing our support for independent media globally. By the end of 2025, the European Commission had launched more than 100 projects in 56 countries, alongside global programmes supporting independent media. Since 2015, the ProtectDefender.eu mechanism has provided direct support to nearly 13,000 journalists at risk, including 686 in 2025 alone.

Within the EU, media freedom and pluralism are at the heart of our efforts to strengthen democracy and the rule of law. The European Media Freedom Act puts in place strong safeguards to ensure journalists can carry out their work safely and to ensure media freedom is protected. Under the European Democracy Shield, the Commission has committed to updating its Recommendation on the Safety of Journalists and step up support for implementing the EU’s existing framework to combat abusive lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). The Commission’s annual Rule of Law Reports also monitor media freedom and pluralism across the EU and in a range of accession countries (Albania, Montenegro, North-Macedonia, Serbia).

Journalists shine a light on injustice and hold those in power to account. They must be able to carry out their work without fear. On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, we call on all States to fulfill their obligations: protect journalists, investigate crimes against them and bring those responsible to justice. Impunity must end.

Source: European Commission