The recent edition of a news program focused on the declining press freedom in Europe and the 20th anniversary of the big bang enlargement. Panelists included Olena Abramovych, Ricardo Borges de Castro, and Dorota Bawolek, who discussed the success of the EU enlargement and the challenges faced by journalists in the region. The panelists acknowledged that while there have been obstacles over the past two decades, overall, the enlargement has been a success.
Ricardo Borges de Castro highlighted that despite some difficulties, the last 20 years have been positive for the European Union. He emphasized that the enlargement was a great story that has brought many benefits to the EU. The panelists also touched on the importance of International Press Freedom Day, expressing concern over the decreasing press freedom in the EU. Dorota Bawolek shared her personal experiences of facing attacks online and offline for her reporting, as well as encountering censorship.
The panelists lamented the current state of democracy in Europe, noting that media freedom has suffered as a result. They emphasized the need to address the challenges faced by journalists and ensure that press freedom is protected. The discussion underscored the importance of a free and independent media in upholding democracy and holding governments accountable. The panelists urged policymakers to take action to support press freedom and protect journalists from threats and attacks.
The program titled “Brussels, my love?” highlighted the important role of journalists in Europe and the need to defend press freedom. The panelists emphasized that a free press is essential for a functioning democracy and called on European leaders to prioritize media freedom. They also highlighted the need for solidarity among journalists and media organizations to combat threats to press freedom. Overall, the discussion underscored the importance of upholding press freedom as a fundamental right in Europe and beyond.
In conclusion, the panelists reflected on the challenges faced by journalists in Europe and the need to safeguard press freedom. They emphasized that despite the obstacles, the European Union has made progress over the past 20 years. However, they also stressed that democracy in Europe is facing threats, and media freedom is under attack. The panelists called for action to ensure that journalists can work safely and freely, without fear of reprisal. The program served as a reminder of the vital role of journalists in upholding democracy and holding power to account.
