A roundtable on Media Freedom was organised by the EPP Group in Valletta, where MEP David Casa urged the government of Malta to implement the ‘Daphne’s Law’ in full in an effort to protect local journalists from local Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). Casa, who is also the Head of the Maltese EPP Delegation, emphasised the need to ensure protection for journalists against abusive litigations criticised Malta’s partial adoption of the law as inadequate.
The event took place alongside the EPP Political Assembly and presented new perspectives to European and Maltese members of parliament, journalists and advocates on the problems of media freedom in Europe and Malta.
Key Achievements in Media Freedom
ACasa highlighted the EPP Group’s achievements in the European Parliament, including securing the Anti-SLAPP Directive, which is often called, ‘Daphne’s Law’, and was able to secure progressive negotiations on the European Media Freedom Act. Such initiatives are intended to ensure the autonomy in editorial controls and financial security for news agencies across Europe.
Nationalist MP and Shadow Minister for Public Broadcasting Claudette Buttigieg criticised the Maltese government’s transposition of Daphne’s Law, describing it as a superficial effort that failed to offer adequate protection for journalists. The law, she argues, should never have been enacted, saying “I think it’s one of our most important fights.”
Concerns Over Implementation and Press Freedom
During the roundtable discussion, journalists were appreciative of the European legislative, however, they warned that effective implementation still remains a pressing challenge. Participants raised their worries on the issues of lack of media freedom in Malta, namely these attempts to reintroduce criminal libel, access to information, and court actions aimed at revealing journalists’ sources.
Casa observed that the Maltese government was primarily concerned with shields against legal action within the EU countries which led to overlooking the critical recommendations of the European Commission designed to protect the local journalists from the domestic SLAPP.
The panelists stressed the need for predictability, transparency and a clear framework in respect of the allocation of state advertising spending and access to information shall be enhanced whilst mechanisms empowering journalists to self-regulate would help the industry.
A Commitment to Reform
Representatives from the Nationalist Party reiterated their willingness to work towards improvement of the media both at the national and European level. According to Claudette Buttigieg, the desire to change the media should be based on trust by conducting real consultations with journalism bodies.
The round table was attended by several high-profile personalities including Željana Zovko and Andrzej Halicki, both EPP Group Vice-Chairpersons, Former PN leader and EPP Group Secretary General Simon Busuttil, MEP Peter Agius, IGM President Matthew Xuereb, as well as Manuel Delia of Repubblika. There were also representatives from the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation and other civil society groups present.
Such discussions reflected growing concerns about the rule of law and the state of media freedom in Malta with recommendations for urgent action to ensure journalists operate in a free and independent environment.
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