Nicosia: Cypriot MEPs have told CNA that they consider that freedom of the press is non-negotiable for the EU.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the statement comes in the wake of the European Parliament’s journalistic award honoring Daphne Caruana Galizia and the announcement of the Sakharov Prize 2025 winner. The agency queried the six Cypriot MEPs about their stance on press freedom within the EU and its accession candidates, as well as the actions being undertaken or proposed by the European Parliament.
DISY and EPP MEP Loucas Fourlas, who also serves as the European Parliament’s rapporteur for the directive against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), highlighted the challenges journalists face. He emphasized the need for the full implementation of the directive against SLAPP, which aims to provide preventive measures and legal protections for journalists. Fourlas called for strict accountability for crimes like the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and stressed the importance of funding independent media and supporting whistleblowers.
Michalis Hadjipantela, another DISY and EPP MEP, underscored the significance of the Daphne Caruana and Sakharov awards in promoting independent journalism as a foundation of democracy. He advocated for the protection of journalists through legislative measures like the European Media Freedom Act and the anti-SLAPPs directive, emphasizing that press freedom is a fundamental aspect of democratic societies.
AKEL (GUE/NGL) MEP Giorgos Georgiou criticized the lack of institutional action following the assassination of Daphne Galizia, which he said highlighted the threats facing journalists in Europe. Georgiou urged the EU to implement mandatory control mechanisms to safeguard press freedom and the independence of the judiciary in both member states and candidate countries.
DIKO and S and D MEP Costas Mavrides pointed out that media freedom is enshrined in the EU Fundamental Rights Charter and the European Convention for Human Rights. He noted the European Parliament’s role in ensuring media freedom, citing the adoption of the European Media Freedom Act as a significant step. Mavrides also mentioned Turkey as an example where press freedom is compromised, calling for the EU to uphold press freedom as a condition for accession.
ELAM (ECR) MEP Geadis Geadi stressed that the protection of journalists and press freedom are non-negotiable conditions for both the EU and its candidate countries. He highlighted the pressures faced by the media and the importance of transitioning from theoretical frameworks to practical measures that protect journalists.
Independent Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou acknowledged the EU’s initiatives like the European Media Freedom Act, but criticized certain EU policies that he perceives as counter to journalism. Panayiotou expressed concern over hybrid sanctions against European citizens, including journalists, for their activities.