In recent years, even countries traditionally regarded as stable democracies have faced growing threats to the rule of law. Within the European Union, some member states are witnessing a rapid and troubling decline in democratic standards, raising serious concerns about the EU’s capacity to uphold its fundamental values.

This panel will focus on media freedom, often one of the first pillars to come under attack in times of democratic decline. We will examine how the weakening or collapse of the rule of law negatively affects journalists’ rights and the media’s ability to operate independently and safely. Topics will include the growing use of vexatious lawsuits (SLAPPs), the failure of justice systems to properly respond to violence against journalists, the abuse of state power to impose financial or regulatory pressure on critical media outlets, and the growing use of restrictive regulations to obstruct civic watchdogs.

The panel will also highlight the work of civil society organizations actively defending media freedom on the ground. We will discuss both their successes and the obstacles they face, with particular attention to their engagement with EU instruments such as the Rule of Law Mechanism, and its potential to foster transnational support and accountability.

The discussion will bring together perspectives from both EU member states and candidate countries, where the decline of media freedom is a particularly urgent concern.