Vice President of the European Commission (EC) Vera Jurova said that she wants the European Union (EU) to become the center of media freedom, but that before that she "must put her house in order" and strengthen the independence of journalists.
On the Day of Media Freedom, May 3, Jurova paid tribute to all journalists and media workers who "risk their lives to inform", Hina agency reported.
As an example, she singled out journalists "who are now on the battlefield in Ukraine, on the front line under Russian bombs" where they are desperately needed so that the public knows the facts.
The Vice-President of the EC stated that she was also referring to journalists who "work in authoritarian regimes and those who are in prison" and singled out American journalist Evan Geršković, who was arrested by Russia.
"I want the European Union to lead the fight for the protection of these brave voices and I want it to become what I would call the center of media freedom," said Jurova.
However, in order to become a center of media freedom, the EU must put "its house in order", she warned, adding that it is necessary to strengthen the independence of the media.
Jurova added that it is necessary to protect the public media service, public disclosure of information about the ownership of media companies, and make transparency about costs.
Last September, the Commission proposed the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) to better protect independent media from state influence.
The vice-president of the EC said that the law "warns member states to maintain strong and independent public media services without state or party tendencies, as seen in Poland and Hungary".
She also emphasized the need to act in Eastern European states that are now EU members but in the past belonged to the Soviet orbit.
Jurova emphasized that she does not want "abuse of the judicial system against journalists and freedom of expression" in Europe.
"I am convinced that journalists must do their job without fear," she pointed out, also pointing to the importance of fighting misinformation.
However, "freedom of speech in the EU is not unlimited," she added and reiterated her disappointment with Twitter's efforts to counter the spread of fake news.
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