This article has been published by Euractiv.
In honour of World Press Freedom Day (2 May), journalists from the EURACTIV Network have been asked to comment on Reporters Without Borders' 2017 Press Freedom Index.
Their responses were wide-ranging, reflecting the political challenges facing EU media, even in states where press freedoms are improving.
Still, all expressed concern due to the rise of right-wing populism across Europe. As Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans told EURACTIV this week, "independent journalism is an essential element of maintaining open societies".
How much 'freedom' for the Greek media?
As we mark World Press Freedom Day this week, we need more than ever to keep our eyes open. The press is under huge pressure. Media pluralism should be a bulwark against populism. But where is the fine line between "freedom" and "free-riding"?
In the case of Greece, we can't see the wood for the trees. According to RWB, in 2016, Bulgaria was the EU's worst achiever (109th) followed by Greece (88th), Croatia (74th), Poland (54th) and Italy (52nd). Hungary ranked 71st.
"Alexis Tsipras' government continues to struggle to end corruption and to provide the adequate ...
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