Significantly more attacks on journalists

The work of media professionals is also becoming more difficult in Europe. Two countries in particular stand out in the Council of Europe's report. According to the report, press freedom is not only under pressure from violence.

According to a report by the Council of Europe, physical attacks on journalists are increasing significantly - especially in Ukraine and Georgia. In Europe, the number rose by 26 to 78 last year, according to a report commissioned by the Council of Europe. 19 attacks were reported from Ukraine alone - mainly in connection with the Russian war of aggression.

Ukraine was followed by Georgia, Serbia and Turkey, each with eight physical attacks. In no other member state has the situation for journalists deteriorated as drastically as in Georgia, the report says. 

As in most cases, attacks occurred mainly during demonstrations. In Georgia, tens of thousands of people took to the streets several times to protest against laws that favored Russian investments.

Public broadcasting also under pressure

According to the report, however, freedom of the press is not only coming under pressure due to increasing violence: public service journalism in particular is repeatedly becoming the target of political actors, either through attempts to exert influence or through drastically reduced funding. The authors cite Italy and Slovakia as negative examples.

The report is the result of a cooperation between the Council of Europe and several press law associations. The figures are based on reports from the associations, which examined Belarus and Russia in addition to the 46 members of the Council of Europe.