#26. World Press Freedom Day

From: Investigate Europe / Newsletter May 3, 2025

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 2024 was the deadliest year on record for journalists, with at least 124 killed. A significant number of these deaths occurred in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict took a devastating toll on reporters covering the war.

While Europe has commonly been a safer place, we are seeing how the continent’s journalists are facing growing threats: harassment, surveillance, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPS), and, in some cases, physical violence. In Eastern Europe, governments use state-controlled media and legal pressure to silence dissenting voices, as seen in Hungary and Poland. Countries like France, Germany and Greece also report rising hostility toward journalists, especially during protests or when covering sensitive topics.

Our revelations on the European Media Freedom Act negotiations exposed governments’ intentions to authorise surveillance against journalists. Our findings were crucial to ensure the passing of a fairer law – but still, a magnitude of risks and threats remain.

Today, on World Press Freedom Day, we want to show solidarity with colleagues around the world and raise awareness about the importance of a free and independent media.

At Investigate Europe we use our reach across the continent to ensure that institutions are scrutinised, powerful actors are held accountable and transparency prevails.

In the video below, our reporter in Hungary, Attila Kálmán, and editorial director, Alessia Cerantola, express support for journalists standing up for press freedom and bring you closer to the work we do.

Your support allows us to continue to publish agenda-setting investigative journalism and defend press freedom across Europe.