Report: Significantly more threats against media recorded in Europe

Threats to the media are increasing significantly in Europe, according to a new analysis published on Tuesday.

There were 344 incidents in the 46 member states of the Council of Europe plus Russia and Belarus last year, according to the Council of Europe. That is an increase of 29% on the previous year.

Incidents included 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’ organizations.

The most common incidents, with 90 recorded, were physical attacks on journalists – for example by the police, political actors and protesters at demonstrations.

The highest numbers were reported from Georgia, Serbia and Turkey.

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 focused on EU member state Hungary, where independent media outlets are exposed to structural disadvantages, with public funds flowing almost exclusively to pro-government media.

Owners close to the ruling party are taking over more and more media companies, so media pluralism in the country is continuing to decline, the report said. It is also critical of the fact that public media is under political control.

The EU Commission in Brussels has already initiated so-called infringement proceedings against Hungary for a series of violations of EU rules on media freedom and media services.

The Council of Europe, based in Strasbourg, is not an organ of the European Union. It monitors the rule of law and compliance with human rights in its member states.