World Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day History

World Press Freedom Day serves to highlight the importance of press freedom in societies across the globe. It serves as a platform to celebrate the fundamental principles of freedom of the press, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend media institutions from attacks on their independence and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This observance underscores the crucial role that free and independent journalism plays in providing accurate information, strengthening democracy, and promoting human rights.

The United Nations General Assembly first proclaimed World Press Freedom Day in 1993 following a recommendation of UNESCO. Ever since, the Observance reaffirms the importance of respect for freedom of expression, one of the cornerstones of the European Union's democratic values. In the European context, World Press Freedom Day serves as an annual reminder of the EU's commitment to safeguarding media freedom and pluralism, as well as the protection of journalists. It reminds governments, institutions, and citizens of their duty to ensure a free and fair media landscape, and furthermore, to protect journalists from intimidation, threats, and violence.

World Press Freedom day is commemorated throughout the European Union in numerous ways. Events like discussions, conferences, and forums are organized to highlight the importance of media freedom and remember the journalists who put their lives at risk for their profession. The European Commission also orchestrates specific actions on this day, such as supporting projects that promote quality journalism and media literacy. World Press Freedom Each year on May 3, underlining the constant mission to protect and uphold democratic values in all member nations.

Facts about World Press Freedom Day

• The theme for World Press Freedom Day in 2025 was A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis. In 2024 the theme was A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.
  In 2023 the theme was Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for all other human rights.
• According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. – Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• The EU annually presents the "Lorenzo Natali Media Prize" to journalists who have produced outstanding reporting on development and poverty eradication. This demonstrates the EU's commitment to press freedom and its role in supporting journalism.
• The European Commission proposed legislation in 2020 aimed at protecting journalists and other media professionals. The initiative seeks to improve the safety of journalists, protect them legally, financially, and physically, and foster an environment where they can work freely.

In the News and Trending in the EU for World Press Freedom Day

Top things to do in the EU for World Press Freedom Day

• Get your inner journalist active on social media. The internet has given birth to a citizen journalist movement that harnesses the power of millions who previously had no voice. We all have cameras in our pockets and access to an audience of millions on social media.
• Attend an event. There are dozens of events celebrating WPFD, these conferences bring together journalists and media workers to discuss current issues. UNESCO offers more info.
• Read The Right to Freedom of Information in the European Union by Dirk Voorhoof and Daniel Simons.
• Attend a local conference or seminar on the importance of press freedom in countries across the EU.