September 3, 2025 – Karpacz, Poland
FREEDOM OF THE PRESS is under siege: With the growing influence of disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, the political landscape seems to be shifting. Instead of calling for measures for more regulation of platforms, fighting hate speech and media literacy programs – they call rather for curtailing rights of the free press, more pressure on journalists and not supporting media in the age of digital transformation. But without independent media and journalism, the European people are subjected to disinformation and hybrid warfare from Russia and other players without any counter force: Our freedom is defended by independent journalism.
We, the undersigned organizations, call on all European governments, national parliaments, the European Parliament, and the European Commission to resist populist pressure and intimidation, and to reinforce press freedom across Europe. The EMFA and anti-SLAPP legislations are important steps in the right direction, but they must be followed by a long-term, sustainable commitment to safeguarding independent media and ensuring its resilience.
The undersigned organizations of this joint declaration express deep concern about the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic this October. The country risks following the troubling paths of Hungary and Slovakia, where populist movements have curtailed press freedom and undermined civil liberties. We must defend this essential right – a cornerstone of liberal democracy – against such attacks with an unwavering commitment to media freedom. Eastern Europe appears to be at the forefront of this alarming trend, making it all the more urgent for all European countries to stand together in supporting democracy and resisting populist assaults. We invite other organizations across Europe to endorse and amplify this declaration, joining us in the defense of press freedom and democratic values.
Defending press freedom is not enough. We must also take concrete steps to build the foundations of a truly functioning European media market. This requires robust platform regulation and genuine digital sovereignty — including the development of European search engines, social media platforms, and other digital infrastructures that are free from the influence of U.S. tech billionaires, the Chinese Communist Party, or autocrats in the Kremlin.
Media Dialogue
Deutscher Journalisten-Verband (DJV)
New European People’s Forum
Defending Democracy Global Initiative
Westminster Alliance for Ukraine
CIVIL – Center for Freedom
