Balancing Act: Press freedom at risk as EU struggles to match action with values

Abstract:

The European Union strives to be a global leader in press freedom but faces challenges from member states that have criminal defamation and blasphemy laws, and have introduced counterterrorism measures, including mass surveillance. The EU has made press freedom imperative in negotiating with candidate countries, but has been accused of failing to take strong action when member states renege on their press freedom commitments. Journalists working in the region are also affected by EU laws and policies, such as the trade secrets directive and access to information regulations.

CPJ: Special Report: Balancing Act: Press freedom at risk as EU struggles to match action with values [Report, 2015] https://www.cpj.org/reports/cpj_eu_special_report_2015.pdf

EurActiv, 29.09.15: Journalists ask EU to create a ‘rule of law’ mechanism http://www.euractiv.com/sections/infosociety/journalists-ask-eu-put-place-rule-law-mechanism-318055

EurActiv, 29.09.15: [Opinion] Press freedom: How the EU struggles to match action with values http://www.euractiv.com/sections/trade-society/press-freedom-how-eu-struggles-match-action-values-318063

Politico, 29.09.15: Hungary, ‘canary in the coal mine’ of EU press http://www.politico.eu/article/hungary-eu-press-freedom-orban-fidesz/

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