Media-Democracy Nexus in the European Space
On 17 October 2023, the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) will host a high-level conference in Rome, Italy and online to explore the intersection between media and rule of law across Europe from different thematic angles, geographic and/or professional backgrounds.
By unpacking the nexus between rule of law, media and democracy the high-level international conference aims at bringing together journalists, academics, legal experts and representatives of CSOs to discuss recent media-related developments and examine the ways in which a sound rule of law system contributes to the advancement of media freedom in the European space.
Media freedom is under serious pressure in Europe, in a context of political interferences, verbal, physical and legal attacks as well generalised conditions characterised by lack of protection, that – albeit to different degrees – affect journalists and media professionals across all member states and candidate countries.
Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) are on the rise, employed by powerful individuals and companies to avoid public scrutiny and silence critical voices. At the same time, online harassment and intimidation, as well as surveillance incidents, are a growing phenomenon, directed against those dealing with corruption, human rights and other issues relevant to the rule of law.
Alongside with ensuring fair elections, and countering disinformation, strengthening media freedom figures as one of the key priorities on the EU current agenda, as articulated in the 2020 European Democracy Action Plan. Throughout the past few years, EU institutions have been issuing and discussing a number of measures directed towards ensuring a better protection of journalists, countering abusive and exaggerated lawsuits, and protecting media pluralism and independence. Such endeavours testify to the role played by civil society in drawing the attention and establishing a dialogue with EU policymakers on the ways to support and promote media freedom and freedom of expression, and on the pivotal role played by such rights in strengthening the resilience of EU democracies.
Three thematic sessions will explore the intersection between media and rule of law across Europe from different thematic angles, geographic and/or professional backgrounds.
The event will take place in English with simultaneous translation in Italian.
Attendance is free, but registration is required. Register here.
It will also be broadcast live on OBC Transeuropa Facebook page.
You can find the full programme on the OBC Transeuropa website.
This event is coordinated as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and candidate countries.
