In the motion to work on the report signed by 23 MPs from 15 member states, the PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media among other things says that defending the principle of the freedom of expression as a fundamental value of the Council of Europe requires that journalists can work without political pressure on them. While traditional censorship no longer exists in Europe, journalists often face new forms of limiting their independence and work, and often exert to auto censorship.

Economic pressures upon media have determined their unwillingness to report about matters of public concern. In some member states of the Council of Europe, editors and leading journalists have been replaced because of pressure exerted by political parties or government members. The current situation challenges media freedom, which is a necessary condition for democracy, says the rationale of the PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media.

Therefore, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe should analyse this situation and work on a report which could point to possible stronger safeguards for journalists and their work today.