Press Freedom in Europe Reaches “Tipping Point” as Threats Surge 29%

Beyond active war zones, journalists frequently faced physical attacks while covering protests, with the highest levels of such violence recorded in Georgia, Serbia, and Türkiye.

RMN News Press Freedom Desk
New Delhi | March 5, 2026

Press freedom in Europe faced “sustained pressure” throughout 2025, reaching what experts describe as a “tipping point” for the safety of journalists. According to an annual report released by partner organizations to the Council of Europe’s Platform to promote the protection of journalism, media workers are navigating an increasingly hostile environment characterized by physical violence, legal intimidation, and systemic repression.

Sharp Rise in Serious Threats

The report documented 344 alerts of serious threats to media freedom in 2025, a significant 29% increase from the 266 alerts registered the previous year. The highest concentrations of these threats were recorded in Russia, Türkiye, Georgia, Serbia, and Ukraine.

The ongoing war in Ukraine remains the most severe threat to journalist safety. In 2025 alone, four media workers—Olena Hramova, Yevhen Karmazin, Tetyana Kulyk, and French photojournalist Antoni Lallican—were killed by Russian drone strikes. Additionally, many journalists remain missing or detained in occupied territories.

Physical Attacks and Mass Detentions

Beyond active war zones, journalists frequently faced physical attacks while covering protests, with the highest levels of such violence recorded in Georgia, Serbia, and Türkiye. These attacks were often perpetrated by police, political actors, and protesters alike.

The report also warns against the systematic use of detention as a tool for media control. As of December 31, 2025, 148 journalists were held in detention across Europe. The countries with the highest numbers of detained media professionals include:

• Azerbaijan: 36
• Russia: 32
• Belarus: 27
• Türkiye: 24

Legal and Digital Harassment

The media landscape is further undermined by legal and technological threats. Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) continue to be used widely to silence investigative reporting, while digital surveillance via spyware and “foreign agent” legislation have created additional barriers for journalists. Furthermore, public service media in several countries are struggling with political interference and restrictive legislation.

A Call for Democratic Resilience

Despite the grim findings, the report notes some progress through new legislation and action plans in certain states to address disinformation and improve source protection. Platform partners are now calling on the Council of Europe and its 46 member states to enforce press freedom standards as a matter of priority.

They emphasize that media freedom and journalist safety are at the core of democratic resilience. Recommended measures include the full implementation of anti-SLAPP standards, safeguarding the independence of public service media, and increasing protections for women journalists.