REPORT: SIGNIFICANTLY MORE THREATS AGAINST MEDIA RECORDED IN EUROPE

BRUSSELS, March 4 (Bernama-dpa) -- Threats to the media are increasing significantly in Europe, according to a new analysis published on Tuesday, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

Last year, the Council of Europe reported 344 incidents across its 46 member states, plus Russia and Belarus — a 29 per cent increase from the previous year.

The incidents encompassed physical attacks, arrests and detentions, as well as harassment and intimidation.

The analysis speaks of an "increasingly hostile environment for journalists".

It was compiled by the Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists, which was set up by the Council of Europe and journalists' organisations.

The most frequent incidents, totalling 90, involved physical attacks on journalists, often carried out by police, political actors, or protesters during demonstrations.

The highest numbers were reported in Georgia, Serbia, and Türkiye.

Russia's war against Ukraine is particularly life-threatening for journalists.

Four media representatives were killed by Russian drone attacks in 2025.

The report also highlighted Hungary, where independent media face structural disadvantages, as public funding is largely directed toward pro-government outlets.

The report noted that media pluralism in the country continues to decline, with owners close to the ruling party increasingly taking over media companies.

It also criticised the political control of public media.

The European Commission has already launched infringement proceedings against Hungary over multiple breaches of EU rules on media freedom and media services.

The Council of Europe, headquartered in Strasbourg, is not part of the European Union. It oversees the rule of law and monitors human rights compliance across its member states.

--BERNAMA-dpa