EU Underlines Importance of Free Media on World Press Freedom Day

To mark May 3, World Press Freedom Day, in line with this year’s theme ‘Journalism Without Fear or Favor’, EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell has issued a statement:

“Today, during the unprecedented ‘Covid War’ times, only disinformation and fake stories are spreading faster than the virus. This year’s celebration of 3May, World Press Freedom Day, therefore bears special significance. Journalists, producers, researchers, photographers and other media professionals are out on the front line keeping us informed in a situation when we depend on their work more than ever. I trust in their continued vigilance and wish them all good health. The media plays a key role in any free and open society. Journalism without Fear or Favour, which is the theme of this year’s celebration, captures well the essential principles of good journalism. In the face of the political or economic pressure, defamation or interference that free media continues to experience globally, the European Union will remain its staunch ally, guardian and supporter.”

In line with tradition, Ambassador Hartzell also used this occasion to launch the 2020 EU Prize for Journalism:

“Today, on World Press Freedom Day, we are launching the ninth edition of the EU Prize for Journalism. The Prize aims to reinforce and reward the highest standards of journalistic ethics, professionalism and quality. Last year I was honored to reward truly stunning pieces of journalistic work. I hope and trust that we will see contestants building further on this accomplishment in 2020.”

On the occasion of the launch of the EUMM Special Prize for Peace Journalism, the Head of EUMM Marek Szczygiel noted:

“The potential for confidence-building is tied with a double thread to how the media informs the public. We are looking for stories told with sensitivity and with professional integrity, covering conflict situations and the people affected by it.”