Valletta, 21 November 2024
Vice President of the EPP Group Željana Zovko today co-organized a roundtable in Malta, alongside the EPP Group, on the topic of media freedom in the European Union.
The conference served as a platform for EPP Group members to exchange views on the state of media freedom in the EU, with a particular focus on media freedom in Malta, where investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was murdered in 2017.
In her opening speech, Zovko emphasized that media freedom, as the cornerstone of democracy, continues to face serious challenges, whether through government interference, political or economic pressures. The global decline in media freedom is an alarming reality, and Europe is no exception. “We must commit to building a Europe in which all journalists can act freely. Their role in safeguarding democracy is invaluable – it is time for all public officials to recognize this and finally place media protection where it belongs: at the top of the political agenda”, she stressed.
In addition to Zovko, the opening remarks were also delivered by Maltese MEP David Casa.
Following the opening addresses, Zovko moderated a panel discussion titled “The Way Forward for European Media Freedom”, which featured Claudette Buttigieg, a member of the Maltese Parliament and Shadow Minister for Broadcasting and Public Administration, Matthew Xuereb, President of the Institute of Maltese Journalists, Manuel Delia, a member of the NGO Repubblika, and Members of the European Parliament.
“The fight for media freedom is a shared responsibility that requires determination, cooperation, and unwavering commitment to the values we hold dear. Together, we can honor the legacy of those like Daphne Caruana Galizia, who paid the highest price for truth, by building a future where journalists can safely serve as guardians of democracy and the voice of the people”, concluded Zovko.