Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001095/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)
If we are to tackle organised crime in Europe, continued efforts need to be take to raise awareness in society of mafia and criminal activities. Investigative journalism, in particular, plays a key role in informing the public and boosting the common awareness need to counter those phenomena effectively.
Despite the importance of press freedom, journalists working on organised crime are frequently subjected to intimidation and violence. Recently, a Sicilian journalist, Salvo Palazzolo, has been reporting on the activities of mafia bosses who have been released from prison and has therefore been placed under the protection of law enforcement officials, having received serious threats. His need for protection makes plain the dangers journalists face and the need to step up their protection at European level.
The Commission has published a recommendation on ensuring the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists and other media professionals in the European Union (C(2021) 6650 final)[1], but the Member Sates have yet to properly and fully adopt those measures.
In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following questions:
- 1.In the light, in particular, of the study of 3 May 2024[2], what specific actions will it take to ensure that the recommendations on the protection of journalists are fully transposed?
- 2.What legislative measures will the Commission propose to bolster the implementation of existing measures and improve the protection of journalists working on organised crime?
Submitted: 13.3.2025