This year, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) held its annual meeting in Ankara, Turkey (18-19 June). Hosted by the Journalists’ Association (GCD), the event themed ‘Journalism under siege’, brought together 85 representatives of 42 journalists’ trade unions and professional associations from across Europe and the newly elected president of the International Federation of Journalists, Zuliana Lainez. “You came at the time when you were most needed,” declared GCD Chairman Nazmi Bilgin, referring to our symbolic presence, in a country where journalists have long paid a high price for their reporting of public interest.
The annual meeting kicked off with GCD Media conference ‘Global Crisis of Journalism’, shedding light from day one on critical issues facing the journalism profession of today, including reporting in conflict zones, precarious working conditions, digital transformation and the rise of artificial intelligence.
“Every time we think we have reached the limits of political polarisation, social distrust, and open attacks on the media, reality proves us wrong and shows us that the space for freedom can shrink even further, that the threshold of acceptable violence against journalists can be raised even higher, and that those who build their power on manipulation and fear always find new ways to weaken precisely those who – ask questions, verify facts, and seek answers,” declared EFJ President Maja Sever in her welcoming speech.
From the opening session to the panel discussions and motions debate, one word resonated unanimously throughout the room: solidarity. A spirit that further reflected in the adoption of 36 resolutions and statements, with journalists’ unions reaffirming their commitment to unity in defence of the profession across borders.
Delegates also adopted the EFJ budget and the activity and financial reports, while stressing the need for a stronger EU Agora, with a dedicated line for media and journalism, including the allocation of at least 20 percent of its budget to quality and independent journalism. More than a financial budget, this is a vital safeguard to protect media freedom, especially at a time when political pressure, economic insecurity, and algorithm-driven platforms increasingly shape the information landscape.
The annual meeting also brought a spotlight on critical issues facing Turkish journalists and our Turkish members. While reaffirming the EFJ’s unwavering support, delegates adopted three important motions. They unanimously called for the repeal of Turkey’s “disinformation law”, the immediate release of all journalists imprisoned under it — including CGD members Alican Uludağ, İsmail Arı and Merdan Yanardağ — and the dropping of all pending charges. Journalists in Turkey should no longer fear repression, prosecution or detention for reporting on issues related to security, defence and conflict.
The case of Swedish journalist Joakim Medin, who spent 51 days in a Turkish prison and facing terrorism-related charges over his work, was also raised, including with the main opposition party leader Özgür Özel (CHP). Delegates further expressed concern over the denial or withdrawal of press cards, particularly for freelance journalists, some of whom are already struggling to survive economically. Arbitrary visa restrictions and anti-union state policies remain key concerns that we will continue to raise at the European level.
The EFJ annual meeting also paid particular tribute to Ukrainian journalists who continue to risk their lives and face unlawful detention by the Russian Federation for reporting the truth. Ukrainian Journalist Solidarity Centers which was established by the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) with the support of EFJ, the International Federation of Journalists and UNESCO, was praised as a vital infrastructure in war time.
During the opening speeches, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Turkey, Nariman Dzhelyal, a former journalist who was arrested in Crimea in 2021 and sentenced to 17 years in prison before being released as part of a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine in June 2024, delivered powerful and moving words on the meaning of solidarity with those who are persecuted simply for doing their job: to safeguard citizens’ right to access information.
The EFJ Annual Meeting also warmly welcomed the message of hope delivered by the keynote speaker, Márton Gergely, Chair of the IPI Executive Board and Editor-in-Chief of the independent Hungarian weekly HVG. His message is clear: it is by upholding its ethical principles and its uncompromising independence that journalism best resists authoritarian regimes; a commitment that must never be abandoned, even in the face of more liberal and democratic regimes.
Delegates also expressed full solidarity with Palestinian journalists enduring inhuman treatments, while agreeing on the need to advocate for safe, free and independent access for international media professionals to Gaza.
Press freedom issues in Serbia, Kosovo, Greece, Estonia, Poland, France and the Czech Republic were also addressed through urgent motions, all of which were adopted by delegates. Throughout the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) project, EFJ has documented the highest number of press freedom violations in Serbia over the past two years, prompting two fact-finding missions and practical support to numerous journalists. Delegates committed to continuing their advocacy for an end to impunity for attacks on journalists, including against journalist and ANEM President Veran Matić, to whom Maja Sever expressed full solidarity following a new attack while the assembly was taking place in Ankara.
The ongoing situation surrounding public service media in the Czech Republic further illustrates the need to defend independent public broadcasting in line with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). Delegates also highlighted the growing threat of legal harassment against journalists and media workers, including EFJ affiliates, underlining the urgent need for the full transposition of the EU Anti-SLAPP Directive.
The spirit of solidarity that defined this annual meeting also extended beyond the official agenda. Members of the EFJ Steering Committee joined a campaign supporting demonstrations organised by EFJ French affiliates in Paris on 18 June, amid a deterioration of media freedom and journalists’ working conditions, as we assessed during our recent mission to France (9-11 June). The march gathered a thousand in Paris.
Finally, the annual meeting marked an important step towards the future of journalism. For the first time, delegates agreed to build bridges with emerging news creators and ensure that the ethical DNA of the profession is preserved as journalism evolves across new platforms and formats. Months prior, diverse perspectives among EFJ members were highlighted through an EFJ survey, laying the groundwork for discussions.
While the EFJ Annual Meeting had concluded and the members had flown back to their respective national struggles, a commitment had been seeded in Ankara: Journalists unions are more united than ever in its defence of independent journalism, defence of democracy.
“We must be more vocal in the fight to protect journalism from the monopolies of digital platforms that increasingly determine who will be seen, who will be read and who will survive, concluded Maja Sever. But just as importantly, we talked about people. (…) We want to continue to be there for each of you. When you are attacked in the street, when you defend the right to strike and when it is necessary to help you to implement European directives and international legal standards… We want to be the journalists who bridge the gap between Lisbon and Kyiv, between Reykjavík and Ankara, but also with the rest of the world. That is why I would like to thank our hosts in Turkey, who organised an excellent assembly, but also the IFJ President, Zuliana Lainez, for coming, for speaking so inspiringly, for conveying important messages, for showing that we are and will remain connected globally to our friends and colleagues around the world”.
Source: EFJ
