“On World Press Freedom Day we celebrate the essential role of a free press not only as a conveyer of reliable and accurate news, but as a pillar of democracy. The quality of democratic processes is linked to the state of freedom of expression as well as media freedom and pluralism. There is no democracy without a truly free press,” says the Declaration issued by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, on behalf of the European Union on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day that is annually marked on May 3.
The official noted too many journalists have lost their lives or have put their lives at risk for having exposed inconvenient truths. This year’s 26th worldwide commemoration addresses the current challenges faced by the media in elections in times of disinformation, as well as the media’s potential to support democracy, peace and reconciliation. Disinformation has a high potential to negatively influence democratic processes and public debates all over the world, and the European Union makes no exception.
Federica Mogherini said this is why they have launched the 'EU Action Plan against Disinformation' that steps up the European response to strengthen the resilience of societies against disinformation. “Healthy democracy relies on open, free and fair public debate and it is our duty to protect this space and not allow anybody to spread disinformation that fuels hatred, division, and mistrust in democracy,” runs the Declaration.
This also says the EU is promoting free and fair media not only at home but also globally in our relations with third countries, including by providing funding for targeted projects that enhance quality journalism, press freedom and access to public information. With free journalism under increasing pressure, the EU reaffirms its determination to defend press and media freedom within its borders and worldwide.
The Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Peter Michalko, in his message on the World Press Freedom Day, says this day is an occasion for underlining the decisive role of the press in ensuring the democratic development of a country by promoting good governance, transparency and responsibility towards the people.
The official noted that this day also commemorates the journalists killed in conflict areas or while fulfilling their duty of guards of democracy. The freedom of the media will remain a subject of major interest on the EU – Moldova association agenda. “We aim to have a favorable pluralistic, predictable and transparent environment of professional and independent mass media. The Moldovans have the right to enjoy the freedom of opinion, correct and unbiased informing, diversity and equality,” said the diplomat.
