European Charter on Freedom of the Press

Name of code

European Charter on Freedom of the Press

Originator of code

Adopted and signed by 48 editors-in-chief and leading journalists from 19 countries

Country

European

Original language

English

Year of creation

2009

Type of code

Journalism

Main frame of accountability

Professional

Transparency

Public

Legal and regulatory context

Non-mandatory

Implementation and enforcement

Voluntary

Diversity

No

AI/automation

No

Abstract

The European Charter on Freedom of the Press was signed by 48 editors-in-chief and journalists from 19 countries in 2009. The non-binding Guideline consists of 10 articles that aim to protect press freedom and ensure safety from government interference for journalists and citizens. This charter is open to all journalists to underwrite and contains important principles on freedom of the press, and its adoption is sought across Europe and in EU accession negotiations. It emphasizes that freedom of the press is essential for a democratic society.

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