Recognising the indispensable role freelance journalists play in informing the public, upholding democracy and maintaining editorial independence, we, the representatives of freelance journalists in Europe, unite in calling for action to address the precariousness of our profession.
This Declaration outlines the fundamental measures necessary to ensure fair working conditions, equal treatment and suitable livelihoods for freelance journalists across Europe. Through their independence, freelance journalists are vital to democracy and the free flow of information.
Dignified Working Conditions
- Freelance journalists are integral members of the journalistic profession, entitled to safe and equitable working conditions.
- Employers must eliminate practices of “fake freelance” arrangements, ensuring that journalists have access to employment benefits where applicable.
Fair Compensation
- Freelance journalists call for the establishment of minimum fee guidelines and contractual standards that reflect the complexity, time investment, and value of their work.
- Payment practices must guarantee fair and timely remuneration and provide additional compensation for reuse and republication of journalistic content.
- Freelance journalists must be encouraged to offer their own tariff conditions and the unilateral imposing of tariffs by editors is not acceptable. .
Access to Social Protections
- Social protection systems across Europe must include provisions to grant freelance journalists access to benefits such as sick pay, retirement pensions, unemployment allowances, and maternity or paternity leave.
- Governments and social partners should work to ensure portability of social protection rights across borders.
Defense of Authors’ Rights
- Freelance journalists demand retention of moral and economic rights over their work, ensuring they are fairly compensated for all uses, including digital and AI-related applications.
- Copyright laws must prevent unauthorised exploitation of freelance journalists’ work, with specific safeguards against buyouts and perpetual rights transfers.
Collective Bargaining Rights
- Freelance journalists call for the recognition of their right to collective bargaining, free from restrictions imposed by competition law, as set out in the European Commission Guidelines on the application of EU competition law to collective agreements .
- Trade unions and professional organisations must be empowered to negotiate on behalf of freelance journalists to improve working conditions and remuneration.
Safety and Professional Development
- Governments and media organisations must ensure the safety of freelance journalists, with special attention to the unique challenges faced by those in profession from minority/marginalised backgrounds.
- Freelance journalists should have access to training opportunities to adapt to technological advancements and maintain professional excellence.
Public Funding with Social Conditionality
- Public funding for media outlets and public service media must be conditional upon fair labour practices, including compliance with minimum fee standards, anti-harassment policies, and adherence to collective agreements.
- Funding mechanisms should incentivise sustainable practices that incorporate the welfare of freelance journalists.
Advocacy and Policy Change
- Freelance journalists call on the European Union and national governments to adopt policies that recognise and address the precarious nature of freelance journalism.
- Media organisations must collaborate with unions and advocacy groups to implement structural reforms that promote fairness, transparency and equity.
- Freelance journalists are essential to news and democracy. The media sector requires both freelance and staff journalists to ensure a thriving press and a robust democracy.
We, the freelance journalists of Europe, declare our commitment to these principles and call upon all stakeholders — governments, media organisations, and the public — to support these demands. Together, we can ensure that freelance journalism thrives as a cornerstone of a free, informed and democratic society. We will continue to work on these principles and refine them in the coming months to incorporate all relevant and impactful perspectives.
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