EU backs call to protect journalists from growing instability

The three constituents of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), trade unions, employers, and civil society, have joined forces to demand concrete measures against the alarming instability of journalists, which poses a serious threat to democracy. This was the first-ever EESC decision on the working conditions of journalists in Europe. The call for the European Commission and Member State governments to take concrete measures to support the journalistic profession is contained in a report adopted by an overwhelming majority in plenary on Wednesday. The report was adopted by 209 votes in favor, four against, and 11 abstentions.

As reported by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the EESC report speaks of the rapid growth of precariousness of the profession in Europe in all its forms: social and economic deregulation, the growth of precarious employment status, pressure of all kinds, non-renewal of collective agreements, verbal and physical violence, intensification of work, general deterioration of mental health problems in newsrooms, etc. All this is supported by numerous objective sources, including the Media Pluralism Monitor and data collected by the Council of Europe and the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) platforms for the safety of journalists.

“Faced with this dramatic situation that threatens citizens’ right to access information, the report starts with a series of 13 specific recommendations, such as adopting a European Directive on psychosocial risks at work, effectively implementing the new European Regulation on freedom of the media, providing financial support to the media industry in the face of the dominance of very large U.S. online platforms, promoting social dialogue with a view to concluding collective agreements that protect the rights of freelancers, regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the media, etc.,” the report says.

The EFJ calls on EU and Member State authorities to take immediate action on the 13 specific recommendations set out at the beginning of the report and to implement them as soon as possible in consultation with journalist organizations.

The report can be found at the link.

Leaders of the European journalism movement have commented on the document.

Maja Sever, the president of the EFJ, called the overwhelming support for the EESC report on the working conditions of journalists in Europe a decisive signal:

“Employers have joined forces with trade unions and civil society to condemn the precarious working conditions of journalists, which threaten the rule of law and democracy in Europe. The European Commission and governments must respond to this unanimous call: immediate action is needed to ensure that journalists can continue to do their work and thus guarantee citizens’ right to access free, independent and pluralistic information.”

José Antonio Moreno Díaz, a member of the EESC Workers’ Group, drew attention to the fact that journalists often face poor working conditions that prevent them from doing their job properly, and stressed that it is crucial to advocate for better conditions, as journalists are important guardians of freedom of information:

“This includes protecting their personal integrity, mental well-being, and working environment, as well as promoting social dialogue and collective bargaining in the media industry.”

Christian Moos, a member of the EESC Group and co-rapporteur, stressed that too many journalists work in precarious jobs without adequate social security or basic labor rights:

“We cannot expect fearless journalistic work when the people we rely on to provide us with information are themselves unprotected.”

NUJU Information Service