The risks that journalists faced covering the war of aggression of Russia against Ukraine remained the most pressing concern related to the safety of journalists in Europe in 2024, according to the annual report of the partner organisations to the Council of Europe’s Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists.
The report, entitled “2024: Confronting Political Pressure, Disinformation and the Erosion of Media Independence”, also identifies as serious threats the digital surveillance of journalists and its risks to source confidentiality, the transnational repression of journalists - notably, from Russia and Belarus - and the trend towards media capture by governments in some countries.
The report warns of the rising threat of disinformation, including AI-generated content and state propaganda, used to manipulate public opinion and undermine independent journalism.
The platform partners address a set of recommendations urging the Council of Europe, the European Commission, and the 46 Council of Europe member states for stronger legal protection for journalists, safeguards against disinformation, and measures to combat media capture and surveillance. They call on governments and institutions to uphold press freedom through policy reforms, transparency, and stronger protections against threats and harassment.
While abusive legal threats against media and journalists continued to raise concerns, the platform partners welcome the adoption of a Council of Europe recommendation on countering Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), the enactment of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and the anti-SLAPP EU directive's implementation and trust they will contribute to creating a more favourable environment for media freedom.
In April 2025, the Safety of Journalists Platform will mark its 10th anniversary. Since its launching in 2015 until 31 December 2024, the Platform registered some 2,000 alerts. The Platform’s annual report covers the 46 Council of Europe member states, as well as Russia, following its expulsion from the Council of Europe in 2022, and Belarus.
