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European Federation of Journalists

EFJ

The European Federation of Journalists represents over 320,000 journalists across 45 countries.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Zoltán Tarr (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

3 Feb 2026 · AgoraEU

Meeting with Marjan Šarec (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

29 Jan 2026 · the media situation in Montenegro

Meeting with Tonino Picula (Member of the European Parliament)

28 Jan 2026 · Meeting with Independent Journalists' Association of Serbia (NUNS)

EFJ urges EU to protect public service media funding

14 Jan 2026
Topic — The Commission is evaluating the effectiveness of state aid rules for public service broadcasting.
Message — The EFJ argues current rules are effective and must ensure sustainable funding for public media. They request that Member States guarantee investment in news and recognize all digital formats as core public services.123
Why — Stable public funding protects journalist jobs and professional independence against digital platform dominance.4
Impact — Large online platforms lose influence as strengthened public alternatives challenge their dominance over news.5
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European Federation of Journalists demands labour protections in media funding

25 Nov 2025
Topic — EU's next long-term budget programme 'AgoraEU' supporting media, journalism and culture.
Message — The EFJ calls for all AgoraEU funding to be conditional upon fair labour standards, transparent working practices, fair remuneration, and editorial independence safeguards. They demand ring-fenced training support accessible to freelancers and early-career journalists, plus formal involvement of journalist organizations in programme design and oversight.123
Why — This would improve precarious working conditions, strengthen freelancer protections, and increase training access for their members.45
Impact — Media organizations lose flexibility to set working conditions without meeting transparency and fair-pay requirements.6
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Meeting with Gesine Heinrich (Cabinet of Commissioner Marta Kos), Marko Makovec (Cabinet of Commissioner Marta Kos) and

11 Nov 2025 · Meeting with media organisations on media freedom in Serbia.

Meeting with Tiemo Wölken (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and Creative Commons

25 Sept 2025 · AI & Copyright

Meeting with Nela Riehl (Member of the European Parliament, Committee chair)

15 Sept 2025 · Discussing Priorities for European Journalists in the next budget

Journalists' Federation warns against dismantling media freedom in data laws

17 Jun 2025
Topic — This consultation explores European rules for mandatory data retention to support criminal proceedings.
Message — The federation demands that any future data retention laws explicitly exclude journalists and media workers. They argue that protecting sources is essential for media freedom and democratic accountability.12
Why — This protection ensures journalists can investigate sensitive topics without risk of exposing their sources.3
Impact — Security agencies lose investigative tools when mandatory data retention exemptions are granted to journalists.4
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Response to European Democracy Shield

26 May 2025

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) believes that investment in independent journalism, its innovative capacity to engage with diverse audiences and new formats is urgently needed to keep media freedom and media pluralism a reality in Europe. Just as manifested in the Global Digital Compact to promote diverse and resilient information ecosystems, including via independent and public media and supporting journalists is a sine qua non for information integrity and journalism to be the best anti-dote to disinformation and foreign interference. Journalism as a public good must be regarded as part of critical infrastructure that is needed to be democratic, prepared and secure. For that an enabling legal environment must go hand in hand with sustainable funding at arms length, awareness-raising, media - and digital literacy, training, efficient protection schemes for journalists and media workers, the right use of AI as a tool not replacing journalistic work and the ambitious regulation of digital monopolies, its algorithms and the need to demonetise disinformation incl. via advertisment. Censorship isd not the right approach. We propose the following: 1. Sustainable Funding at arms' length: long term strategies to support independent media, especially at the local level with nerws deserts; 2. Enabling legal environment and enforcement of EU legislations in the field 2.1: EMFA with particular focus on Article 4 on protection of souirces and from the use of spyware; and Article 4 on the political independence of public service media and its financial sustaibility to serve according to its public remit all parts of society wit a focus on news and investigative journalism and media literacy; 2.2 On the DSA implementation, while we appreciate the risk assessment reports of major platform, we are concerned about the effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures to protect journalists from online threats and AI manipulated content including spoofing.The Commission should promote safe harbour protections for researchers and journalists examining online platforms and AI, in line with the above legislation, to prevent intimidation and legal risks from having a restrictive effect on research and investigative journalism that is in the public interest. 2.3 Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). As part of the Democracy Shield, we recommend that further actions are taken to ensure public participation is effectively protected from the threat of SLAPPs (see concrete suggestions in the joint Media Freedom Rapid Response input on the Democracy Shield). 2.4 The EFJ does not support the proposed EU Directive on foreign interest transparency raising serious concerns among media groups. The UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Assembly and Association expressed that the document in its current form is neither a proportionate nor an effective response to the threats it aims to tackle. 2.5 Need for clear safeguards for media and civil society, including reinforcing a strong stance against foreign-agent style laws, acknowledging their chilling-effect on media freedom and freedom of expression. 2.6 Need to coordinate the EDS with work in the Rule of Law dialogue, especially around checks and balances as provided by independent authorities, rule of law institutions, and parliamentary strengthening. 3. Safety of journalists and press freedom See recommendations in the MFRR statement and clear strategy for the follow-up of the EU Recommendation on the Protection, Safety and Empowerment of Journalists. 4. Ethical Journalism as a public good is best antidote to disinformation This implies the need to reinforce self-regulatory mechanisms such as media councils, better collaboration and cooperation btw. AI experts, programmers, journalists & media councils; decent working conditions for all journalists & training; access to documents and of course all what si siad above. More detailed information attached.
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Meeting with Marie-Helene Boulanger (Head of Unit Justice and Consumers) and EBU-UER (European Broadcasting Union) and

22 May 2025 · Consultation of media representatives and associations in the context of the preparation of the upcoming European Democracy Shield (“focus group”).

Meeting with Nela Riehl (Member of the European Parliament, Committee chair) and EBU-UER (European Broadcasting Union) and

14 May 2025 · Stakeholder Roundtable:The Future of European Broadcasting, Press and Media: How to create a common European Media Space?

Meeting with Diana Riba I Giner (Member of the European Parliament) and EBU-UER (European Broadcasting Union) and

14 May 2025 · Broadcasting, press and media in the EU

Meeting with Matjaž Nemec (Member of the European Parliament)

14 May 2025 · Journalism and independent media and the next MFF

Meeting with Erik Marquardt (Member of the European Parliament) and EBU-UER (European Broadcasting Union) and

14 May 2025 · Stakeholder Roundtable: Broadcasting, Press and Media in the EU

Meeting with Diana Riba I Giner (Member of the European Parliament)

13 May 2025 · Journalism and Media Freedom

Meeting with Jördis Ferroli (Cabinet of Commissioner Michael McGrath), Simona Constantin (Cabinet of Commissioner Michael McGrath)

1 Apr 2025 · European Democracy Shield, Media Freedom Act

Meeting with Veerle Nuyts (Cabinet of Commissioner Marta Kos) and Committee to Protect Journalists and International Press Institute

6 Mar 2025 · Exchange on the 2024 annual report of the Council of Europe Journalist Safety Platform

Meeting with Sophie Wilmès (Member of the European Parliament)

5 Mar 2025 · Meeting with European Federation of Journalists

Meeting with Michał Kobosko (Member of the European Parliament)

6 Feb 2025 · Urgent press freedom issues in Europe

Meeting with Birgit Sippel (Member of the European Parliament)

5 Feb 2025 · Media freedom

Meeting with Anna Herold (Head of Unit Communications Networks, Content and Technology) and Reporters sans frontières and

22 Jan 2025 · Exchange of views in the context of preparatory work on draft guidelines on Article 18(1) European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) to be issued by the European Commission under Article 18(9) of the EMFA. Anna Herold was replaced by Audrius Perkauskas

Meeting with Jördis Ferroli (Cabinet of Commissioner Michael McGrath)

21 Jan 2025 · European Media Freedom Act (EMFA)

Meeting with Sophie Wilmès (Member of the European Parliament) and Committee to Protect Journalists

9 Dec 2024 · Rule of law - Press freedom

Meeting with Evin Incir (Member of the European Parliament)

25 Nov 2024 · Discussion on freedom of press and journalistic freedom

Meeting with Leila Chaibi (Member of the European Parliament)

22 Nov 2024 · EMPL related issues

Meeting with Isabel Wiseler-Lima (Member of the European Parliament)

7 Nov 2024 · Press freedom, journalism and digital space

Meeting with Hannah Neumann (Member of the European Parliament)

31 Oct 2024 · Exchange of views

Meeting with Daniel Freund (Member of the European Parliament) and Amnesty International Limited and

16 Oct 2024 · Cooperation on LIBE related matters

Meeting with Tineke Strik (Member of the European Parliament) and Amnesty International Limited and

16 Oct 2024 · LIBE Civil Society Meeting

Meeting with Diana Riba I Giner (Member of the European Parliament)

2 Oct 2024 · Media Freedom and protection of journalists

Meeting with Zala Tomašič (Member of the European Parliament)

1 Oct 2024 · media freedom, journalism and the digital space

Meeting with Sandro Ruotolo (Member of the European Parliament) and European Magazine Media Association and

30 Sept 2024 · Cult priorities 2024-2029

Meeting with Katarina Barley (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Sept 2024 · Protection of Journalists and Media Freedom

Meeting with Marie Frenay (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová)

12 Sept 2024 · Media freedom

Meeting with Lucia Yar (Member of the European Parliament)

12 Sept 2024 · Meeting with Renate Schroeder, EFJ´s director on media freedom in the EU

Meeting with David Cormand (Member of the European Parliament)

10 Sept 2024 · Media Freedom

Meeting with Kim Van Sparrentak (Member of the European Parliament)

9 Sept 2024 · Declining media freedom in the EU

Meeting with Sebastião Bugalho (Member of the European Parliament)

5 Sept 2024 · State of media freedom in EU

Meeting with Per Clausen (Member of the European Parliament)

24 Jul 2024 · Media Freedom

Meeting with Simona Constantin (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová) and Stichting Free Press Unlimited and

16 May 2024 · anti-SLAPP

Meeting with Eleonora Ocello (Cabinet of Commissioner Thierry Breton)

16 Apr 2024 · Media policy

Meeting with Marie Frenay (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová)

16 Apr 2024 · Meeting with FNSI/Italian Press Association on situation in Italy and amendments Costa

Meeting with Marie Frenay (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová)

1 Feb 2024 · European Media Freedom Act

Meeting with Marie Frenay (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová)

24 Jan 2024 · European Media Freedom Act

Meeting with Petra Kammerevert (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

11 Jan 2024 · Europäisches Medien Freiheitsgesetz (EMFA)

Meeting with Sabine Verheyen (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

21 Nov 2023 · European Media Freedom Act

Meeting with Marie Frenay (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová)

9 Nov 2023 · European Media Freedom act

Meeting with Daniel Freund (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur for opinion) and France Télévisions

27 Mar 2023 · European Media Freedom Act

Meeting with Romana Jerković (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Mar 2023 · Media Freedom Act

Meeting with Predrag Fred Matić (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Mar 2023 · Media Freedom Act

Meeting with Petra Kammerevert (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and Google and

9 Mar 2023 · Media Freedom Act

Meeting with Irena Joveva (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and European Partnership for Democracy

8 Mar 2023 · European Media Freedom Act

Meeting with Daniel Freund (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur for opinion) and Europäisches Zentrum für Presse- und Medienfreiheit

31 Jan 2023 · European Media Freedom Act

European journalists' union urges stronger protections in Media Freedom Act

19 Jan 2023
Topic — EU regulation on media independence, pluralism, and transparency in media markets.
Message — The federation requests strengthened safeguards for source protection, editorial independence, and media ownership transparency. They demand explicit inclusion of freelance journalists in protections, ex-ante judicial authorization for surveillance, and binding transparency rules. They oppose leaving content moderation decisions to platforms and want stronger enforcement mechanisms.1234
Why — This would protect their members from surveillance and interference while ensuring sustainable funding.56
Impact — Governments and platforms lose flexibility in surveillance and content moderation decisions.78
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Meeting with Marie Frenay (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová) and Committee to Protect Journalists and

8 Sept 2022 · European Media Freedom Act

Meeting with Věra Jourová (Vice-President)

19 Jul 2022 · European Media Freedom Act

Meeting with Marie Frenay (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová)

29 Apr 2022 · Protection of Jouronalists, disinformation

Meeting with Marie Frenay (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová), Simona Constantin (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová)

12 Nov 2021 · SLAPP

Meeting with Marie Frenay (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová)

20 Apr 2021 · Webinar - “EU policies and instruments to ensure media independence”

Meeting with Marie Frenay (Cabinet of Vice-President Věra Jourová)

7 Apr 2021 · Media literacy

Meeting with Dace Melbārde (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

5 Mar 2021 · Media in the digital decade

Response to Collective bargaining agreements for self-employed – scope of application EU competition rules

26 Jan 2021

In journalism including photojournalism, cartoonism etc, self-employed professionals do not (yet) directly work for platforms or at least not to our knowledge. However, many of the problems faced by platform and gig workers apply both on-and offline vis a-vis media companies. Many freelance journalists cannot live from their remuneration/fees derived from their journalistic work. Though they have high skills and often very expensive equipment their remuneration is far from equal to that of staff journalists doing the same work. This leads to an an unprecedented brain drain in the sector. EFJ affiliates have more and more freelance members but face the difficulty in providing services to them when it coms to defending fair remuneration and equal pay. The main problem is that competition rules dominate over employment rights and regard freelances & self-employed as undertakings and small cartels. In some EU countries dependent freelances or so-called permanent freelances' can fall under collective agreements excluding pay (incl. Austria, Denmark, Germany, France). Like in the entertainment sector, in several EU countries competition authorities warned unions not to even recommend any minimum rates to their members referring to Article 101 of the TEU. It is high time to recitfy this breach to fundamental trade union rights. And in particular in an environment where media concentration grows to an unprecedented level partly due to the monopolies of the big platforms and up to 80% of advertisement income going to them and not to media anymore. Freelance/self-employed journalists throughout Europe with slightly different statuses/definitions and blurrying lines share the same problem from the competition authorities to be regarded as undertakings and not workers. This deprives them of labour protections which are normally achieved through collective bargaining raising quality of work and income/fees from their (mostly dependent) labour. In a sector which increasingly becomes freelance, this of course weakens trade unions in organising freelance workers in an ever more fragile digtal eco-system. It is important to mention that collective bargaining is the exclusive competence of social partners. In this respect, genuine social dialogue and collective bargaining should be understood as negotiations between organised, representative and recognised social partners in accordance with national laws and traditions, in order not to legitimise company (“yellow”) unions under the influence of employers, wage fixing practices between employers or so called “charters for good work” one-sidedly drawn up by some online-platforms. What is key here, is to find clear solutions which do not invite different interpretations of "definitions" of workers for example but very clear extended rights to all self-employed workers in line with ILO standards. There needs to be legal clarity for employers and unions and self-employed workers alike regarding their (legitimate) right to collectively bargain for self-employed workers as well as platform workers. The pandemic crisis has accelerated the need for adjusting the unfair treatment, as freelancers are the first victims of the crisis in the media sector. For all these reasons, the EFJ believes that opton 4 is the best solution as the wider the scope the better it finds solutions for all different categories our increasingly fragile and blurring sector represents.
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Meeting with Agnieszka Skonieczna (Cabinet of Commissioner Thierry Breton)

7 Dec 2020 · Exchange on the Media Action Plan

Meeting with Věra Jourová (Vice-President) and Reporters sans frontières and

1 Dec 2020 · Media freedom, EDAP

Meeting with Filomena Chirico (Cabinet of Commissioner Thierry Breton) and Amnesty International Limited and

15 Jul 2020 · Responsibility and accountability of online platforms

Meeting with Věra Jourová (Vice-President) and

20 Apr 2020 · Freedom of press and rights of journalists

Meeting with Thierry Breton (Commissioner) and

17 Apr 2020 · Economic impact of COVID-19

Meeting with Věra Jourová (Vice-President) and

27 Mar 2020 · Media freedom/COVID-19

Meeting with Věra Jourová (Vice-President) and

6 Feb 2020 · Safety of Journalists

Meeting with Friedrich Wenzel Bulst (Cabinet of Commissioner Margrethe Vestager)

15 Jun 2017 · Digital Single Market, Copyright

Meeting with Andrus Ansip (Vice-President) and

5 Sept 2016 · Freedom of panorama, copyright

Meeting with Stig Joergen Gren (Cabinet of Vice-President Andrus Ansip)

13 Jul 2016 · copyright

Meeting with Szabolcs Horvath (Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics) and European Composer and Songwriter Alliance and European Writers’ Council-Féderation des associations européennes d’écrivains

5 Jul 2016 · Digital Single Market

Meeting with Stig Joergen Gren (Cabinet of Vice-President Andrus Ansip)

15 Jun 2016 · Copyright

Meeting with Tibor Navracsics (Commissioner) and European Composer and Songwriter Alliance and

2 May 2016 · Fair remuneration of authors

Meeting with Günther Oettinger (Commissioner) and European Composer and Songwriter Alliance and

2 Mar 2016 · Copyright

Meeting with Stig Joergen Gren (Cabinet of Vice-President Andrus Ansip) and European Composer and Songwriter Alliance and

18 Feb 2016 · copyright

Meeting with Stig Joergen Gren (Cabinet of Vice-President Andrus Ansip) and European Newspaper Publishers' Association and

17 Feb 2016 · copyright

Meeting with Maximilian Strotmann (Cabinet of Vice-President Andrus Ansip) and Groupement Européen des Sociétés d'Auteurs et Compositeurs and

5 Nov 2015 · copyright, Panorama exception

Meeting with Stig Joergen Gren (Cabinet of Vice-President Andrus Ansip)

10 Sept 2015 · Authors' rights, cross-border access to content

Meeting with Bernardus Smulders (Cabinet of First Vice-President Frans Timmermans), Bernd Martenczuk (Cabinet of First Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

12 Jun 2015 · Trade Secrets & Freedom of Expression

Meeting with Günther Oettinger (Commissioner)

30 Apr 2015 · Copyright, DSM