Analysis: Foreign agent laws are becoming the scourge of media freedom across Europe

International — Press-Freedom Bodies · 2026-05-18 · EU · verified record

Themes: Media & broadcasting · Online platforms

Ecosystems: EU Media Freedom Act

This op-ed by IPI was originally published in OC Media on 7 May 2026 to mark World Press Freedom Day. Click here to read the original article World Press Freedom Day has passed by as attacks against independent journalism escalated at an unprecedented rate. From smear campaigns and digital threats, to vexatious lawsuits and physical attacks — and now, legal harassment through rapidly emerging and spreading foreign agent laws. These laws, which are now spreading across Europe, have the potential not only to create a chilling effect on media communities and obstruct journalists’ work, but also t

This op-ed by IPI was originally published in OC Media on 7 May 2026 to mark World Press Freedom Day. Click here to read the original article World Press Freedom Day has passed by as attacks against independent journalism escalated at an unprecedented rate. From smear campaigns and digital threats,

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