The debate will be conducted in English and will be followed by a cocktail reception.

Although Europe is considered a relatively safe region for journalists, there has been an alarming rise in the number of threats and attacks against them in recent years. Journalists in several European countries have increasingly been subjected to various forms of violence, including physical attacks, intimidation, harassment, targeted surveillance, and cyberbullying. Of particular concern are the murders of investigative journalists that have taken place over the last decade.

Our debate aims to explore what the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and, in particular, the Swedish EU Presidency can do to better protect journalists in Europe while taking into account the current situation and challenges.

Our distinguished panelists include:
- Cecilia Ruthström-Ruin, Swedish Ambassador for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law;
- Mårten Ehnberg, Swedish Ambassador to the Council of Europe, in his capacity as Chair of the Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists and Media Freedom;
- Ramona Strugariu, Member of the European Parliament from Romania. She is a member of the Renew Europe Group, Co-Chair of the media working group and a leading voice for media freedom in the European Parliament.

Better protecting journalists is one of the priorities of the Swedish Presidency of the EU, and this debate is part of a three-day event called “Days of Sweden”, aimed at presenting the culture and political priorities of the country currently holding the EU presidency. 

This initiative was made possible thanks to the support of the City of Strasbourg, the European Collectivity of Alsace, and the Grand Est Region.