Significantly more threats against media recorded in Europe

Threats against the media are increasing significantly in Europe, according to a new analysis published on Tuesday.

According to the Council of Europe, 344 incidents took place last year in the 46 Council of Europe member states, plus Russia and Belarus. This represents an increase of 29% compared to the previous year.

Incidents included physical attacks, arrests and detentions, as well as harassment and intimidation.

The analysis speaks of an “increasingly hostile environment for journalists”. It was developed by the Platform for the Protection of Journalism and the Safety of Journalists, created by the Council of Europe and journalists’ organizations.

The most common incidents, with 90 recorded, were physical attacks on journalists – for example by police, political actors and demonstrators during demonstrations.

The highest figures were reported in Georgia, Serbia and Turkey.

Russia’s war against Ukraine particularly endangers the lives of journalists. Four media representatives were killed by Russian drone attacks in 2025.

The report also focused on Hungary, an EU member state, where independent media face structural disadvantages, with public funds going almost exclusively to pro-government media.

Owners close to the ruling party are increasingly buying up media companies, so media pluralism in the country continues to decline, the report said. He also criticizes the fact that public media are under political control.

The European Commission in Brussels has already launched infringement proceedings against Hungary for a series of violations of EU rules on media freedom and media services.

The Council of Europe, based in Strasbourg, is not an organ of the European Union. It ensures the rule of law and respect for human rights in its member states.