Vice President Věra Jourová: Solidarity with Index journalists

Democracy cannot work without free and independent media.

The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated, more than ever, the crucial role of journalists to inform citizens, to check facts and to hold governments to account.

But while readership and audiences have been record high, revenues have been heavily hit.

Economic pressure should not turn into political pressure.

I have been following the situation of Index with concern. I would like to express my solidarity with the staff of Index who has been working under very difficult conditions.

I want to tell you:

“What you are doing, the values you are fighting for, media freedom and pluralism, are essential for democracy, and for Europe – and all the supporting messages of your readers testify of the importance of your work”.

You can count on my support.

Věra Jourová, Vice President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency

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