Press freedom and pluralism face ‘existential battle' across EU, report finds

Media pluralism in many EU member states is being increasingly strangled by a high concentration of ownership, even in countries with traditionally free media markets, according to a report that concludes press freedom is crumbling across the bloc.
The report, produced by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties) based on the work of 43 human rights groups from 21 countries, said several EU governments were attacking press freedom or weakening media independence and regulation.
Along with weak ownership transparency rules, growing government influence over public media and threats against journalists, media freedom and pluralism were 'under attack across the EU, and in some cases in an existential battle', it said.
'This isn't a surprise,' said Jonathan Day, the report's lead editor. 'Governments' efforts to weaken the rule of law and democratic institutions almost always start by seeking to control their country's media landscape.'
Day said the EU's attempt to safeguard media freedom, the European Media Freedom Act (Emfa), was 'already facing resistance even before it's fully in force. How successfully it is enforced may be make-or-break for media freedom in some member states.'
Media ownership
The report singled out an excessive concentration of media ownership as a particular concern in Croatia, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden, with ownership often concentrated in the hands of a few ultra-wealthy individuals.
This was exacerbated by inadequate transparency of media ownership, it said, with many member states failing to set up publicly accessible databases required by the Emfa, almost all of which is due to come fully into force in August.
The binding legislation aims to guarantee the protection of journalists and sources, independence of regulatory bodies and full ownership transparency — but many member states 'seem unready if not unwilling to fully enforce' it, the report said.
France faced 'significant media pluralism challenges', the report said, highlighting Vincent Bolloré's acquisition of the Hachette group and installation, at several of its publishing houses, of executives sympathetic to the conservative billionaire's views.
In Italy, the report noted the planned acquisition of AGI, a leading news agency, by the Angelucci Group, headed by Antonio Angelucci, an MP from the far-right Lega party who already owns Italian newspapers including Il Giornale, Libero and Il Tempo.
Bonnier owns 43% of all subscription-based multi-day newspapers in Sweden; while Schibsted owns 13 more including Aftonbladet and Svenska Dagbladet.
The Dutch online media market, meanwhile, is dominated by websites owned by DPG Media, Mediahuis and RTL Nederland — with the former announcing plans in late 2023 to acquire the latter, a move being investigated by the consumer and markets authority.
Concerns over pluralism are also rising in Germany, where many local newspapers, hit by digitisation and declining readership, are closing offices. Nearly half of all German newspaper publishers have reduced their editorial staff and 62% expect further cuts.
The report also found that journalists remain vulnerable to hate speech and attacks, suffering police violence in France, Germany, Greece, Hungary and Spain.
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Irish Independent

an hour ago

• Irish Independent

Letters: Leaving Cert students, follow your hearts – a degree is not the answer to everything

The headline chimes with the same trope that is wheeled out year after year by universities about the value of Arts degrees (and Social Science degrees), battered as they can be by the waxing and waning of the degrees' prospects. Perhaps the most important thing these degrees do is confer status. A degree is a degree is a degree. All the better if it is from a prestigious university. A degree is a signal. It confers and signifies 'middle- class' and is an undoubted advantage in the marketplace. They're not cheap either. And the more things we have to pay for, the harder it is to be poor. Meanwhile, the Leaving Certificate has diminished in status and the prestige it once deservedly had. In the 1980s, adults queued up at night school to complete the exams they regretted not taking beforehand. The skills gained were invaluable; the esteem restored equally so. Of course, we should be all for the humanities. Likewise for apprenticeships and whatever route one takes to navigate an ever-changing job market. Follow your heart. John O'Driscoll, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary Government must stop genocide in Gaza Madam — Our public representatives are being spat on because of their continuing inaction on Gaza and now they are blaming the opposition parties — 'TDs spat at and refused cafe service as abuse over Gaza intensifies', June 15. 'Our Government has sat back and done nothing, absolutely nothing,' said one woman, clearly venting her frustration, which many of us would fully align with. Surely, it's beyond time our Government grew a backbone and did something concrete and tangible to stop this mass killing of innocents on its watch. Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry United Ireland is not likely soon Madam — Now that we are approaching July and the annual season of Orange marches, lamp posts throughout most of the North of Ireland will be decorated with flags of various hue, but mainly red, white and blue or the Union Jack. Every year, about 3,000 parades are approved by the commission overseeing such events. Come July 12, there will be an exodus by nationalists to Donegal, Sligo and possibly even Spain. Anywhere to avoid being forced to watch and listen to Orange bands and their followers taking over towns and villages to commemorate a battle fought in Co Meath between the king of Scotland and a Dutch king called William. Meanwhile, across Antrim the locals are revolting. Apparently, some foreign folk have arrived in recent years and are propping up the ailing health service and various factories; but they sound and look different from the indigenous people of the county. Outsiders will not be tolerated, and emblems must adorn the front doors of residents to identify loyalty to the crown and thus ensure that the house will not be firebombed or its windows smashed. In that other part of this little island, the 26 counties, the inhabitants look on aghast at what is happening. There is much weeping and gnashing of teeth by so many politicians. But that's as far as it will go. Quite rightly, the British would do anything to offload the mongrel of a region that is Northern Ireland, but sadly, and very possibly with some justification, the Irish Republic will procrastinate until the cows come home on the subject of unification. And who could blame them. Sean Sheridan, Omagh, Co Tyrone Next budget will be a bonanza for rich Madam — It's looking like the coming budget, if we are to believe the experts, will be a bonanza for the already wealthy in our society — property investors and the hospitality sector. With hoteliers and restaurant owners seeing a decrease in the Vat rate, I can't speak for everyone but I have rarely seen any decreases in the price of a meal to match. As for the developers, the housing crisis will make them wealthy even beyond their current situation. Mike Burke, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare Families should get vouchers for food Madam — On the discussion around changes to child benefit, giving vouchers for healthy, age-appropriate food and beverages would be the best system — ensuring well-nourished, active babies and children. That would bring value for money. Margaret Walshe, Dublin 15 Leaving Cert is just a silly test of memory Madam — Is the Leaving Cert a good examination for life? All it proves is one has a good memory. And on the day of the exam, students may be under par. They should be assessed on a monthly basis and judged accordingly at the end of the year. Not days of examination papers crammed together over a few weeks. Education is a process; it is not a result. Does having a good memory prepare one for life? I don't think so. Having common sense is much more important. There should be another way to assess students. Terry Healy Riordan, Kill, Co Kildare Time to do away with the presidency Madam — As the country faces another costly presidential election, one wonders if we need a president now. The Irish Constitution expressly puts executive authority in the democratically elected government. The non-executive presidency is weighed down by protocols and formalities, irrelevant in a modern republic grappling with very serious housing, health, criminal and international issues. The president holds office for an inordinately long seven years, and can be elected for a second term. It's almost impossible for an ordinary citizen to contest this election as a nomination requires the support of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. In addition to expense-free living in the Áras, the president is entitled to an annual salary of €332,070. Presidential staff and ceremonial functions, at home and abroad, cost the taxpayer at least €5m per annum. Some very fine people have held the office. But, in my opinion, the position is now unsustainable and the money spent in electing and maintaining a President of Ireland, a nominal and virtually powerless figurehead, is urgently needed elsewhere. Billy Ryle Tralee, Co Kerry Skehan holds a mirror up to society Madam — In last week's Sunday Independent, Conor Skehan's contemplative article ('What are Ireland's blind spots and how can we fix these system failures?') shoves a somewhat uncomfortable mirror into the gaze of Irish society and its most crucial influential undertones. As an example, he states: 'The traditional media is anxious about its shrinking influence.' The traditional media was habitually based on a brand of journalism underpinned by truth, courage, tenacity and dedication, but was overly comforted in its status as 'traditional'. In allowing itself to be so cosseted, it was always going to be a step behind in exploiting the broadest effects of digitalisation and in comprehending the unfettered tones and effects of 'social media', where truth is not fundamental. These are, indeed, tough times for the 'traditional' media, but, for society's welfare, its a battle it cannot afford to lose. Sticking with old values but with a more vigilant and astute eye on societal gestation and evolving 'tech' will serve much better than, for example, the showiness I'm observing n the broadcast media, where the 'gotcha' question is so often tediously pursued. Michael Gannon, Saint Thomas Square, Kilkenny Forsyth obituary missed some facts Madam — Some saw Frederick Forsyth's books as lower down the literary ladder than his near contemporary John le Carré. But he was widely known as a skilled author of 'faction', drawing on his years as a journalist. In that light, some elements of Liam Collins's obituary likely would have irritated Forsyth, who was known for his accuracy. St John's Wood, one of his homes, when he left Enniskerry in 1980, is not in Surrey but the borough of Westminster. The 'small farm' he moved to was a working enterprise he ran in Hertfordshire, on about 175 acres, from the late 1980s to 2010. He self-depreciatingly described himself as poor with money. Aside from his divorce from his first wife and the loss of money to the once-notorious Roger Levitt, he also turned down the offer of a share of the profits when selling the film rights to The Day of the Jackal. Instead of the 'huge royalties' referred to in your obituary, he got a flat £20,000 (the equivalent of perhaps £250,000 now) instead of £17,500 plus a percentage of the profits. Being a man of certain political views, in recent years his 'extensive journalism' was mainly for the Daily Express and Daily Telegraph and not the Daily Express and The Guardian. Arran Dowling-Hussey, Gray's Inn, London A very insightful piece from O'Malley Madam — I want to commend your journalist, Eoin O'Malley, for offering a refreshingly grounded and socially insightful perspective on the social value of the pub in Irish life. 'Down with the puritans — we should all go back to the pub', June 15. The suggestion that pubs are socially controlled environments where people can meaningfully connect with peers highlights a crucial, often overlooked aspect of public life. In a time when isolation and division are growing concerns, it's encouraging to see writing that recognises the social value of shared spaces, like pubs. This piece doesn't just make a case for leisure, it makes a compelling argument for community cohesion and mental well-being. Well done. Don Byrne, Raheny, Dublin 5 GAA four-step ball rule is nonsense Madam — GAA, have a bit of cop on. Your four-step ball carrying rule is a fiasco. Seamus Foley, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath There is a time when you need to step up Madam — Brendan O'Connor's question, 'Where have all the grown-ups gone?', on June 15 reminded me of one time I was in our local pub. I asked the owner: 'Where have all the characters gone?' He took a few seconds, looked at me, and said: 'They're dead. You're the characters now.' It was a lesson, and not a gentle one. You don't get to stand on the sidelines forever. At some point, it's your turn to step up. Perhaps the same applies to grown-ups. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran, Co Armagh Women matter, so do not shut us down Madam — The letter, 'Policing toilets is just not workable' on June 15, could be said to reflect a now-familiar tactic: minimise, deflect and suggest there's nothing to debate. For years, this approach has been used to shut down women's voices, to brand legitimate concerns as wrong and cast those raising them as the problem. That may once have worked. It no longer does. Ten years on from the introduction of gender self-identification, the effects on law, language and public policy are clear — from the loss of female-only spaces to the silencing of sex-based advocacy — yet attempts to discuss them are met with straw-man arguments. These kind of responses don't open space for discussion. They try to close it. And it raises a fair question: if the Gender Recognition Act has had no adverse effect, why the reluctance to talk about it? Women's voices matter. And in a democracy, transparency is not something to fear, it's something we are owed. If there's really nothing to hide, then let's talk. Kate Flannery, Limerick Female boundaries are being eroded Madam — Bernie Linnane (Letters, June 15) might be happy to share single-sex spaces with any man who claims to be a woman, but she's not authorised to consent on behalf of any other woman. Consent isn't transferable, and my consent isn't hers to give away. The Gender Recognition Act may not mention toilets, but it has created a legal grey area, where women are expected to stay quiet while our boundaries are eroded. We're not asking for birth-cert checks at the toilet door. We're asking for the basic right to say no and not to be thought of as bigots for doing so. Sarah Holmes, Newcastle, Co Wicklow Let's celebrate the richness of Irish Madam — I mostly agree with Ciara Kelly when she writes that talking, reading and writing in Irish, in that order, gives a better grasp of the language. But don't underestimate the benefit of remembering a line from an Irish poem written in the pure richness of the language (Saibhreas na Gaeilge). It has always served me well. Anne Finegan, Ashbourne, Co Meath I could not survive without the Sindo Madam — Congratulations to Mediahuis Ireland, the publisher of the Sunday Independent among others, in celebrating reaching 100,000 digital subscribers. News is at everybody's fingertips nowadays as the digital age goes from strength to strength. I have to confess, I personally prefer to get my fix of the current news the old way, by buying the Sindo every week. I couldn't survive without it. I enjoy thumbing through the pages of sport, features and current affairs. I have also had a number of letters published, which is always very exciting and uplifting. There is something magical about having your thoughts published in a reputable national newspaper. Thank you, for lifting my spirits in this way. Well done also to your team of wonderful journalists. Onwards and upwards. Tom Towey, Cloonacool, Co Sligo Tommy Conlon nails it on hurling fiasco Madam — Once again, Tommy Conlon nailed it. The absolute nonsense of deciding the GAA jewel in the crown by subjecting the hurling warriors to the shambles of a penalty shoot-out. Just because it might add drama to a boring soccer game does not mean it should be used to lessen a fixture built up in the GAA calendar. Enough is enough. If there is a draw after extra time, there should be a two-week break to let the players recuperate and then set them free to entertain us once more. John McCann, Donegal Why is Kate Middleton on the front page of an Irish paper? Madam — I am mystified as to your choice of photo on the front page of the Sunday Independent (June 15). What has Kate Middleton's fancy hat, trooping the colour (what colour), or the King's makey-up birthday, so that he can be nice and warm, to do with anything related to Ireland? Michael Kenefick, Whitegate, Co Cork

The Journal

3 hours ago

• The Journal

Tánaiste confirms US threat to Lebanon peacekeepers and will liaise with EU states to save mission

AS THE US considers vetoing a renewal vote for the Lebanon peacekeeping mission, the Government has confirmed it is liaising with European countries to save the operation. As revealed on Thursday by The Journal there are just ten weeks ahead of a crucial vote in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) – it appears that the US is considering ending its support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). We discovered that US real estate mogul Tom Barrack, a close confidante of Donald Trump, was in Lebanon as fears are mounting that the US will pull the plug on funding for UNIFIL. Multiple sources, both here and in Europe, believe that this would have one of two possible outcomes – either a reduction in budget and troop numbers or a complete shutdown of the mission. One other possibility, according to a source, is that the Lebanese Government could invite certain countries to stay on should the mission end. The UNIFIL mandate ends on 31 August – this news website discovered that French diplomats were set to lead negotiations on trying to save the mission. Tonight that has been confirmed officially by a statement from the Tánaiste Simon Harris' office. The Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs said he is beginning to liaise with EU counterparts to try and find a solution. 'The Tanaiste Simon Harris has tonight began to reach out to other European countries to ensure the renewal of the UNIFIL mandate in Southern Lebanon. 'He will travel to Brussels tomorrow where a high level meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers is scheduled , amid deepening concerns in EU capitals. Advertisement 'It comes amid the escalation of violence between Israel and Iran with Simon Harris due to travel to Brussels on Monday to discussing the war with other European counterparts,' he said. UNIFIL began in 1978 to maintain peace and security on the border between Lebanon and Israel after a period of increased tension between the two countries. More than 300 Irish troops are part of a massive international presence of 10,500 troops from 50 countries to monitor both sides of the border. They patrol a fragile demarcation zone in South Lebanon along what is known as the Blue Line. Simon Harris visiting Irish troops in March. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The statement added that he has received a briefing today from the Irish Defence Forces as tensions mount across the Middle East region. 'He will continue to discuss options in relation to the future of the mission with Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy. 'The Tanaiste will impress on his foreign counterparts on the absolute need for the mission to continue, in order to ensure stability and peace in the Region. 'Ireland has an unbroken record with UNIFIL for many decades and has over 340 troops deployed at Camp Shamrock. 'The French are due to lead the negotiations to extend the mandate with a decision expected to be made in August,' the statement added. Separately, the Tanaiste and has been briefed by the Chief of Staff on a number of incidents that took place in Southern Lebanon in recent days . All Irish Troops are accounted for and well. It is understood shelling in south Lebanon caused soldiers to take to bunkers, known as groundhog, in the last 24 hours. There was a dramatic interception in the sky above the Irish camp in recent days as Israel knocked down a suspicious drone. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal

RTÉ News​

7 hours ago

• RTÉ News​

Government concerned UNIFIL's Lebanon mandate won't be renewed

There is mounting concern in Government that the United Nation's peacekeeping operation in southern Lebanon may not have its mandate renewed in August. Ireland has participated in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 1978. Ireland has an unbroken record with UNIFIL and currently has more than 340 troops stationed in southern Lebanon. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has begun to contact other EU member states about the issue. He is due to raise it again when he travels to Brussels tomorrow for a Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday. The UN will review UNIFIL in August, amid concerns that the United States could withdraw financial backing for the operation. Israel has also been highly critical of the force. The Tánaiste has already discussed options relating to the future of UNIFIL with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Lt Gen Rossa Mulcahy. It is understood Mr Harris will seek to impress upon his EU counterparts on the absolute need for the mission to continue, in order to ensure stability and peace in the region. It is expected that France will lead the campaign to extend UNIFIL's mandate when it comes to a vote in August. On 28 August last year, the UN Security Council unanimously passed resolution 2749 extending UNIFIL's mission for 12 months. However, the upcoming talks will be the first since the cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah, which has a strong base in southern Lebanon, and Israel. It is also expected that the Lebanese government will strongly support the renewal of the mandate. The Cabinet backed the Irish Defence Forces' continued participation in UNIFIL last month. In New York, Israel is said to be lobbying at the UN headquarters for a downgrade of the role of UNIFIL. The Trump administration is viewed as being sympathetic to that argument, but it is currently unclear what position it will adopt in August. Last month, Irish soldiers who are serving as peacekeepers in southern Lebanon came under fire near Israel's blueline, while on a joint patrol with the Lebanese Armed Forces. The UNIFIL Force Commander conveyed the Government's anger and concern at the shooting incident directly to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Mr Harris condemned the incident at the time and said it was an "utterly inappropriate, utterly unacceptable" attack on Irish peacekeeping troops in southern Lebanon. "This is the latest in a range of what I view as intimidatory behaviour by the IDF [Israel Defence Forces] towards peacekeepers, or as we saw recently, Irish diplomats too. So this is not acceptable," Mr Harris said. The incident took place close to the village of Yaroun and the patrol withdrew from the area when it occurred. No injuries to personnel on the patrol were reported and no damage reported to the armoured vehicles they were operating from. The location was roughly 10km from the main Irish military base in Lebanon, known as 2-45 or Camp Shamrock. It was also 5km from an Irish base on the Blue Line, called 6-52. Also last month, in south Lebanon.