Journalists across Europe have warned that the unchecked use of artificial intelligence and the growing dominance of major technology firms pose serious risks to journalism and the financial sustainability of news organisations.
The concerns were raised at the annual general meeting of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), held in Ankara on 18-19 June.
According to the Union of Cyprus Journalists (UCJ), representatives from dozens of countries highlighted mounting pressures on media workers, driven by rapid technological change and ongoing geopolitical crises.
A key focus was the impact of generative AI tools, with delegates expressing concern over services such as Google’s “AI Overviews”. Data cited at the meeting suggested that such platforms can reduce organic traffic to news websites by up to 40 per cent, directly undermining media revenues and long-term viability.
The EFJ stressed the need to curb the monopolistic power of major technology companies and adopted a resolution calling for fair remuneration for publishers and journalists from online service providers.
Delegates also examined the implementation of the EU’s Anti-SLAPP Directive, aimed at countering strategic lawsuits against public participation. With 91.5 per cent of SLAPP cases occurring at domestic level, participants urged stronger national legislation to ensure full protection for journalists.
The general assembly approved several additional resolutions. One introduced a “roadmap for integration” to bring digital content creators on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Substack into professional unions, with a focus on training and the promotion of journalistic ethics.
A second resolution proposed the creation of a European “knowledge bank” to boost the participation of young journalists in trade unions.
A third addressed press freedom in Turkey, expressing solidarity with journalists facing legal pressure and endorsing measures to strengthen their protection.
The assembly also unanimously backed a motion opposing the closure of Deutsche Welle’s Greek-language service. The resolution was jointly submitted by the Cyprus Union of Journalists and media organisations in Greece and Germany.
The UCJ was represented at the Ankara meeting by its president Giorgos Frangos and board member Stelios Marathovouniotis.
Source: CNA
