As stated by the EFJ, a free and pluralistic media is crucial for European democracy . But media freedom, pluralism and independent journalism in Europe are facing increasing threats from political influence, economic pressures and the changing media landscape.

Journalists have become the first casualty of these threats. In recent years, journalists are witnessing their labour rights diminished, working conditions deteriorated, quality in journalism dropped and the loss of public confidence in the media. Various forms of (self-) censorship as a result of political and economic pressures on journalists and media have also grown across Europe.

As the largest organisation of journalists in Europe, representing over 320.000 journalists in 39 countries, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), defends the professional rights of journalists and promote journalism as a public good.