The right to freedom of expression enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights has for several decades been of central importance to the organisation. The right of individuals to form, hold and express their opinions without undue interference is crucial for the realisation of all other human rights, it enables citizens to make informed choices and to participate actively in democratic processes, ensuring that powerful interests are held to account.
Freedom of expression, therefore, deserves the highest attention, today as ever. Consecutive yearly assessments have shown that threats to this anchor of democratic societies have been growing across the continent. This has proven detrimental to our resilience to crisis situations, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. It is evident that the core principles of freedom of expression and media independence are indispensable for European democracies and of crucial value even more acutely in times of crisis.
SPECIAL FOCUS
INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY
I. LEGAL GUARANTEES FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
II. SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS AND OTHERS WHO SPEAK UP
III. INDEPENDENT AND PLURALISTIC MEDIA ENVIRONMENT
IV. RELIABILITY AND TRUST IN INFORMATION
V. CONCLUSIONS