The Italian government has come under fire from the European Commission for its treatment of the media, particularly in relation to the rule of law. Vera Jourová, Vice President of the Commission responsible for rule of law affairs, expressed concerns about the trend in Italy during a press conference.
Italian journalists’ organizations have also raised their voices in opposition to government interference in the media and an increase in lawsuits against journalists since Giorgia Meloni became prime minister in 2022. In May, RAI journalists went on strike to protest against the transformation of RAI into a government mouthpiece. They were particularly upset about Prime Minister Meloni’s demand for unlimited speaking time for representatives of governing parties in European election coverage.
The Italian government has also faced criticism for defamation lawsuits against prominent newspapers and journalists. Defamation can result in up to six years in prison in Italy, making it one of the strictest punishments for defamation in the EU after Slovakia. Jourová also highlighted concerns about press freedom in Slovakia during her press conference.
In May, the Italian Union of Journalists filed a complaint with the European Commission, along with European journalistic organizations, accusing Meloni’s government of violating European laws on freedom of the press and information transmission. Overall, the situation regarding press freedom in Italy and Slovakia is considered worrying by the European Commission.
