A new report on press freedom in Europe warns of a surge in political pressure, disinformation and curbs on media independence throughout 2024, with Georgia recording the most dramatic increase in attacks on journalists.
The Europe Press Freedom report by the Safety of Journalists Platform highlights rising threats to European journalists in 2024, with 266 recorded incidents of violence, intimidation and political interference impacting press freedom.
Ukraine recorded the highest number of “alerts” (40) in 2024, mostly occurring in the Russian-occupied territories. Russia, Serbia and Turkey followed closely behind. By the end of the year, 159 journalists were detained across Europe, with the highest numbers in Belarus, Azerbaijan and Russia.
Between 2015 and 2024, nearly 2,000 incidents were reported, including the detention of journalists, acts of violence and restrictions on press freedom.
Georgia experienced “the highest increase in press freedom alerts” last year, with incidents tripling compared to the previous 2023. Many of these violations occurred during pro-European Union protests, where reporters faced physical assaults, intimidation and obstruction.
“On election day, at least 70 journalists were subjected to verbal and physical assaults, intimidation and obstruction of their work,” the report said.
Concerns over disinformation also intensified, as Russian state-owned media spread conspiracy theories to discredit pro-EU opposition groups.
The elections resulted in a contested victory for the ruling Georgian Dream party, with opposition parties, the president and civil society questioning the legitimacy of the results.
Newly adopted legislation, including the “Transparency of Foreign Influence” law and the “Family Values and Protection of Minors” law, also raised concerns over the future of independent media. Critics warn these laws undermine civil society and limit journalists’ ability to report freely.
In addition, police violence against journalists became a growing issue. “Georgia presented an especially troubling example of police brutality, as dozens of journalists experienced assaults, arrests as well as obstruction of their professional duties while covering pro-EU protests in Tbilisi,” the report said.
The year also saw the controversial extradition of Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov, who was arrested in Georgia in August and handed over to Azerbaijani authorities in November.
According to the journalist safety watchdog: “This regression has distanced the country further from democratic principles and hindered its integration with the European Union.”
In Slovakia, press freedom came under pressure as the government, in power since October 2023, sought to exert control over public media. The situation deteriorated further after an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico in May 2024, which contributed to a “highly toxic atmosphere.”
Ukraine recorded the highest number of “alerts” (40) in 2024, mostly occurring in the Russian-occupied territories. Russia, Serbia and Turkey followed closely behind. By the end of the year, 159 journalists were detained across Europe, with the highest numbers in Belarus, Azerbaijan and Russia.
Between 2015 and 2024, nearly 2,000 incidents were reported, including the detention of journalists, acts of violence and restrictions on press freedom.
Georgia: A sharp decline in media freedom
Georgia experienced “the highest increase in press freedom alerts” last year, with incidents tripling compared to the previous 2023. Many of these violations occurred during pro-European Union protests, where reporters faced physical assaults, intimidation and obstruction.
“On election day, at least 70 journalists were subjected to verbal and physical assaults, intimidation and obstruction of their work,” the report said.
Concerns over disinformation also intensified, as Russian state-owned media spread conspiracy theories to discredit pro-EU opposition groups.
The elections resulted in a contested victory for the ruling Georgian Dream party, with opposition parties, the president and civil society questioning the legitimacy of the results.
Newly adopted legislation, including the “Transparency of Foreign Influence” law and the “Family Values and Protection of Minors” law, also raised concerns over the future of independent media. Critics warn these laws undermine civil society and limit journalists’ ability to report freely.
In addition, police violence against journalists became a growing issue. “Georgia presented an especially troubling example of police brutality, as dozens of journalists experienced assaults, arrests as well as obstruction of their professional duties while covering pro-EU protests in Tbilisi,” the report said.
The year also saw the controversial extradition of Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov, who was arrested in Georgia in August and handed over to Azerbaijani authorities in November.
According to the journalist safety watchdog: “This regression has distanced the country further from democratic principles and hindered its integration with the European Union.”
Slovakia: Government moves to control public media
In Slovakia, press freedom came under pressure as the government, in power since October 2023, sought to exert control over public media. The situation deteriorated further after an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico in May 2024, which contributed to a “highly toxic atmosphere.”
The government implemented a 30% budget cut for the state broadcaster, Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS), and replaced it with a new state-controlled entity, Slovak Television and Radio (STVR).
“This change enabled the government to remove the RTVS Director and senior management, replacing them with political allies,” the report said.
According to Fico, the country’s three largest mainstream outlets, or as he calls them the “Soros-owned” media, are responsible for the current tense political atmosphere in Slovakia and the failed assassination attempts on his life.
Amid its grim findings, the report offers a glimmer of hope, noting: “Slovakia continues to host a strong and resilient independent media sector despite ongoing challenges.”
“The war in Ukraine remained the most pressing concern in 2024, as Ukrainian and international journalists risked their lives daily on the front lines,” the report said.
The Europe Press Freedom Report 2024 documented at least seven incidents in which reporters came under direct fire, including the death of Reuters safety adviser Ryan Evans in a missile strike in eastern Ukraine. Other journalists were injured or had their offices targeted.
The situation in Russian-occupied territories was particularly alarming, with independent journalism nearly eradicated.
“In these territories independent journalism has been almost entirely eradicated, with Ukrainian journalists frequently arrested and subjected to mistreatment, torture and forced labor,” the report said.
Beyond the battlefield, Ukrainian media faced challenges from wartime censorship and government influence over broadcasting. Several media offices were destroyed, further limiting access to independent reporting.
In Poland, the new government took steps to dismantle the influence of the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party over public media, particularly public broadcasters TVP and Polish Radio. A consultation process began to align Poland’s media laws with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA); however, “adoption of these reforms remains pending.”
The proposed changes aim to restore the independence of the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) and introduce transparent recruitment for public media leadership. They also seek to secure stable funding sources for public broadcasters while reducing political and commercial pressures. However, concerns persist over potential political interference in the regulatory body.
“This change enabled the government to remove the RTVS Director and senior management, replacing them with political allies,” the report said.
According to Fico, the country’s three largest mainstream outlets, or as he calls them the “Soros-owned” media, are responsible for the current tense political atmosphere in Slovakia and the failed assassination attempts on his life.
Amid its grim findings, the report offers a glimmer of hope, noting: “Slovakia continues to host a strong and resilient independent media sector despite ongoing challenges.”
Ukraine: War continues to threaten
“The war in Ukraine remained the most pressing concern in 2024, as Ukrainian and international journalists risked their lives daily on the front lines,” the report said.
The Europe Press Freedom Report 2024 documented at least seven incidents in which reporters came under direct fire, including the death of Reuters safety adviser Ryan Evans in a missile strike in eastern Ukraine. Other journalists were injured or had their offices targeted.
The situation in Russian-occupied territories was particularly alarming, with independent journalism nearly eradicated.
“In these territories independent journalism has been almost entirely eradicated, with Ukrainian journalists frequently arrested and subjected to mistreatment, torture and forced labor,” the report said.
Beyond the battlefield, Ukrainian media faced challenges from wartime censorship and government influence over broadcasting. Several media offices were destroyed, further limiting access to independent reporting.
Poland: Reforms aim to restore media independence
In Poland, the new government took steps to dismantle the influence of the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party over public media, particularly public broadcasters TVP and Polish Radio. A consultation process began to align Poland’s media laws with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA); however, “adoption of these reforms remains pending.”
The proposed changes aim to restore the independence of the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) and introduce transparent recruitment for public media leadership. They also seek to secure stable funding sources for public broadcasters while reducing political and commercial pressures. However, concerns persist over potential political interference in the regulatory body.
