The COVID-19 pandemic is having a rapid and significant effect on media freedom in the European Union, according to new research published today by IPI. The briefing paper, Media Freedom Violations in the EU under COVID-19, shows how in a short space of time, several states have implemented emergency laws and restrictions which challenge the […]

The International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists for press freedom, today expressed serious concern over the passing of new legislation handing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán sweeping new powers to rule by decree and tighten his control over the country’s media amid the COVID-19 pandemic. On April […]

Hungarian democracy is at a critical juncture. Early next week, MPs will vote on whether to approve a new draft law in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Though ostensibly aimed at tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, the legislation would also allow Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to extend the current state of emergency and rule by decree […]

Vera Jourova, Vice President, European Commission Commissioner for Values and Transparency 23.03.2020 ————————— Dear Commissioner Jourova, On behalf of the International Press Institute, the global network of leading editors, journalists and media executives for press freedom, I am writing to express our profound concerns about the dangers of certain European governments taking advantage of the […]