The Council of Europe’s annual press freedom report highlighted violence against journalists, particularly in Ukraine and Georgia. The rise of disinformation also poses a threat.
The Council of Europe said Wednesday it recorded 266 cases of physical attacks, intimidation, arrests, and reprisals against international journalists across Europe in 2024.
Its annual European Press Freedom Report 2024 compiled data from a coalition of 15 press freedom NGOs and journalist associations.
The report highlights growing acts of violence against journliasts, particularly in Ukraine and Georgia. Around 64% of recorded attacks took place in Russia and Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine.
The Council of Europe warned of continued risks for journalists covering Russia’s invasion.
Rising violence in Georgia
Georgia saw the sharpest decline in press freedom among the 46 countries analyzed.
While only one journalist was arrested in 2024, reports of physical attacks and intimidation tripled.
The report links the surge in violence in Georgia to widespread protests over controversial laws and the country’s European Union aspirations.
The majority of attacks on Georgian journalists occurred during such demonstrations.
Disinformation and state influence
The Council of Europe raised concerns over growing government control of the media, highlighting how political actors are influencing editorial policies and cutting funding. Italy and Slovakia were flagged as key examples.
It also reported a rise of disinformation, including AI-generated content, saying disinformation is manipulating public opinion and weakening independent journalism.
Oliver Money-Kyrle, Head of European Advocacy at the International Press Institute, emphasized the severity of the issue.
“The truth is that journalists across Europe have never faced graver threats — both individually and collectively—than they do in 2025,” he said.
Ray of hope
The European Commission plans to strengthen legal protections for journalists and tackle media surveillance and disinformation.
The report notes the new European Media Freedom Act and the EU directive against lawsuits as positive steps.
Germany and the Netherlands were praised for improving journalist safety, including better community engagement, police cooperation and training for officers at demonstrations.
Edited by: Farah Bahgat
DW News
