rki.news | Source: Anadolu Agency
The European Union has called for comprehensive investigations into the killing of journalists in conflict zones, stressing the urgent need to uphold international protections for media professionals.
In a statement issued for World Press Freedom Day, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas highlighted the growing risks faced by journalists worldwide. She noted that recent data suggests 2025 has become one of the deadliest years for media workers, with killings, injuries, and threats emerging as an alarming trend.
Kallas emphasized that incidents reported in conflicts across Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, and parts of Africa must be thoroughly investigated, with perpetrators held accountable under international law. She reiterated that the protection of journalists is both a legal and moral obligation for all parties involved in conflict.
“International law is clear: journalists must be protected at all times,” she said, adding that media professionals should be able to carry out their work without fear of violence, harassment, or intimidation.
The EU also reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, describing independent journalism as a cornerstone of democratic societies and a vital element in ensuring transparency and accountability worldwide.