EU Reaffirms Press Freedom at OSCE Council Amid Rising Threats

At the 1495th meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on November 7, 2024, the European Union delivered a forceful statement in Vienna emphasizing its deep concern over the deteriorating state of press freedom and human rights across the OSCE region. The EU reiterated its commitment to defending journalists, human rights defenders, and democratic institutions amid rising repression in several member states.

The EU delegation called attention to the alarming targeting of journalists through intimidation, imprisonment, physical violence, and legal harassment, especially in countries like Russia and Belarus. These tactics, the EU warned, are not only violations of individual rights but also systemic threats to democracy, accountability, and the rule of law. The statement called for urgent investigations into all crimes committed against media professionals and for justice to be delivered without delay.

A central focus of the EU’s address was the war in Ukraine. The delegation condemned Russia’s continued aggression and its devastating impact on civilians, journalists, and the democratic fabric of the region. The EU emphasized that Moscow’s actions violate international law and OSCE principles, contributing to the erosion of press freedom and civil space in both Ukraine and Russia. It reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and the role of independent journalism in documenting war crimes and upholding the truth.

The EU also reaffirmed its support for the OSCE’s 2018 Ministerial Decision on the safety of journalists, urging all member states to fully implement its provisions. The delegation encouraged renewed political will to defend free expression, uphold international commitments, and bolster protections for those working in dangerous environments.

Beyond individual cases, the EU warned of broader trends: the shrinking space for civil society, the misuse of surveillance technologies, and the use of strategic lawsuits (SLAPPs) to silence critical reporting. The statement concluded with a call for principled diplomacy, reaffirming that security in the OSCE region cannot be separated from human rights and media freedom.

At a time when journalists are being silenced across multiple fronts, the EU’s stance at the OSCE Council signals that defending the press is a non-negotiable cornerstone of regional peace and democratic stability.

https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/vienna-international-organisations/osce-permanent-council-no-1495-vienna-7-november-2024-1_en