The Study provides a comprehensive understanding of the initiatives and measures implemented in the 27 EU Member States to ensure the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists and other media professionals. Specifically, it maps and assesses actions carried out at national level, in line with the Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/1534. The analysis relies on evidence collected through different consultation activities (i.e. desk research, a focus group, in-depth interviews, and targeted online surveys) conducted from June to December 2023. The mapping exercise allowed for a comparison of the implementation of the Recommendation between Member States and identification of relevant practices. Moreover, the Study proposes a framework to assist Member States in monitoring their activities and reporting to the Commission in accordance with Paragraph 32 of the Recommendation. The picture emerging from the analysis depicts an overall deterioration of the safety of journalists in the EU, representing a tangible risk to the effectiveness of the media watchdog role, the quality and pluralism of information, and ultimately European democracy. Threats come both from politicians and private actors, and their nature is physical and, by and large, virtual. Examples of political intimidation towards journalists engaged in reporting and investigation activities are discreditations, smear campaigns, and Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). At the same time, examples of intimidation by private actors include verbal and physical attacks, doxing, and online harassment. Furthermore, evidence points out that the content and frequency of threats is gender and diversity sensitive: women journalists and journalists belonging to minority groups being more harshly attacked. Finally, high levels of impunity of such crimes contribute to the worsening of media professionals' working conditions, aggravating the abovementioned risks to democracy.
