MEP David Casa today delivered the closing remarks during an event he co-hosted in the European Parliament titled “The Future of Investigative and Independent Journalism in Europe”.
The event gathered journalists, activists, and academics from across Europe to discuss the growing challenges facing investigative journalism and to launch the Manifesto for Sustainable Journalism.
The S-INFO project, led by partners including Repubblika, Tele Radio City, Context.ro, and S-Com, promotes stronger cooperation between journalists and civil society. It aims to support investigative reporting, defend press freedom, and strengthen democratic participation through sustainable media practices.
EP President Roberta Metsola addressed attendees, declaring that “the European Parliament will always be an ally in defending free speech, in protecting those who report it, and acting when it is under threat.
“We’ve shown it in our parliamentary work. Every year we award the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for outstanding journalism. We’ve set-up a Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield to fend off disinformation and foreign meddling. And we’ve led the way with bold initiatives: the European Media Freedom Act, and Daphne’s law on anti-SLAPPs to stop court cases designed to silence journalists and to ensure that they can work without fear. We will keep working to make sure that justice is served and that our democracies remain strong.”
In his remarks, Casa praised the initiative, describing it as “a model of cooperation that others should follow.” He underlined the urgency of defending press freedom in the face of democratic regression and growing threats to journalists.
“The media landscape has changed vastly, as have the threats journalists face,” Casa said. “Europe should be leading the way, proving itself an example of resilient democracy. Yet everywhere we see rule of law backsliding, and increased threats and violence against journalists.”
Casa recalled the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia as a turning point in his work within the European Parliament, and noted that while progress has been achieved, much remains to be done.
“The European Media Freedom Act is now reality. The Anti-SLAPP Directive gives journalists the tools to defend themselves. But laws alone are not enough. They must be implemented and enforced.”
Casa noted that Malta’s recent public consultation on media reform echoed many of the same priorities raised by S-INFO and Repubblika, including sustainable funding, safe working environments, fair pay and contracts, and greater investment in media literacy.
He also welcomed the Manifesto for Sustainable Journalism, describing it as “an ethos for an increasingly challenging environment, marked by polarisation, concentrated ownership, and impunity, which remains the greatest threat to investigative journalism.”
Casa co-hosted the conference with MEP Sandro Ruotolo as part of the S-INFO Project, funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Commission.
