EU Urged to Strengthen Protections for Journalists and Media Freedom in Democracy Shield Initiative

Media freedom groups led by the International Press Institute (IPI) and partners are calling on the European Union to include stronger legal and practical protections for journalists and independent media within the European Democracy Shield, a key EU initiative aimed at defending democratic systems and tackling disinformation. These recommendations were outlined in a response to a draft report on the Shield’s framework, submitted by IPI together with the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) and other press freedom organisations.

The Democracy Shield, proposed by the European Commission, is intended to bolster democratic resilience by supporting free and independent media, safeguarding journalism, and countering threats such as foreign interference and information manipulation. However, the coalition of media freedom advocates argues that the current draft must be refined and expanded to provide concrete, enforceable protections that address the full range of challenges journalists face across the European Union and beyond.

Among the key areas emphasised by IPI and partners is the need for expanded legal safeguards that protect journalists from undue pressure, threats, and harassment, including modern digital challenges such as spyware misuse and online censorship. The organisations also stressed the importance of combating strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), which are increasingly used to intimidate and silence critical reporting. Strengthening protections against the criminalisation of defamation and foreign-agent laws was also highlighted as essential to uphold press freedom and prevent self-censorship.

The submission urged the EU to ensure that the Democracy Shield’s commitments translate into practical mechanisms that support media viability, pluralism, and journalist safety through predictable funding, legal protections, and digital safeguards. Advocates called for clear action plans with timelines to implement these measures effectively at both the national and EU levels. They also recommended robust backing for independent and public-interest media outlets, including sustainable financing and reinforcement of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) to support a resilient information ecosystem.

The call for enhanced protections comes amid ongoing concerns about press freedom in parts of Europe, where journalists continue to face legal threats, political pressures, and shrinking civic space. By embedding stronger safeguards within the Democracy Shield, media freedom advocates argue that the EU can help ensure that journalism remains a cornerstone of democratic accountability and public discourse across the region.