Press freedom is facing significant challenges both in Cyprus and internationally, according to the head of the Cyprus Union of Journalists, Giorgos Frangos, who warned that the country’s continued decline in the global press freedom index should be a cause for concern.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency to mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Frangos described the occasion as a time for reflection rather than celebration.
“Under normal circumstances, today should be a day of celebration. However, press freedom is not in its best state, either in our country or globally,” he said. “This should be a day of reflection for both journalists and active citizens who seek well-rounded, comprehensive and objective information.”
Cyprus falls in press freedom rankings
Referring to Cyprus’s downward trajectory in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, where the country ranks 80th out of 180 nations this year (down from 77th in 2025 and 65th in 2024), Frangos said the decline has been ongoing for the past five years.
“We have lost ten places within five years,” he noted, adding that Cyprus had previously ranked within the top 50 before dropping steadily in recent years.
He pointed out that this year’s ranking coincides with Cyprus’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Frangos said the index takes into account a range of factors, including issues related to “golden passports”, corruption and allegations of political interference, as well as past and recent claims made by journalist Makarios Drousiotis and the treatment of the Union by state authorities.
He added that Cyprus now ranks near countries that do not reflect well on its standing, noting that alongside Greece, it is among the lowest-ranked EU member states.
Frangos stressed that the issue should concern all stakeholders, including state authorities, civil society and organised journalistic bodies.
Institutional concerns and legislative challenges
Explaining why press freedom is under pressure in Cyprus, Frangos cited multiple and multi-layered problems, particularly of an institutional nature, as well as issues relating to working conditions.
He referred to a series of draft laws either under discussion or already before parliament, which he said aim to control journalistic content, criminalise journalistic activity and allow the lifting of personal data protections.
At the same time, he noted that Cyprus has yet to adopt the European Media Freedom Act, which is designed to protect journalists and their sources and should have been implemented by September 2025.
Frangos expressed disappointment that the government bill focuses less on protecting journalists and more on the conditions under which their personal data may be accessed, a matter that has sparked widespread reaction within the media sector.
He also highlighted concerns over journalist accreditation. The Union, which has issued press credentials since its establishment in 1959 and is affiliated with both European and international journalist federations, found that during Cyprus’s EU Council presidency, authorities required journalists to hold accreditation issued by the Press and Information Office rather than the Union.
“This development is unprecedented,” Mr Frangos said, noting that the issue has been raised at both European and international levels.
For decades, both forms of identification had been recognised, he added, suggesting that the recent shift was not accidental.
Working conditions under strain
Frangos also pointed to ongoing labour issues within the media sector, stating that most organisations are understaffed and working conditions are far from attractive.
As a result, he said, many young and qualified journalists remain in the profession for only two to three years before moving to other sectors offering better pay and career prospects.
“Where is Cypriot journalism heading, and where are we investing if not in new talent?” he asked.
He stressed the need to improve working conditions and adequately staff media organisations to ensure sustainable career development.
“This can only be achieved through collective labour action,” he concluded, calling on journalists who are not union members to join in order to strengthen efforts to deliver meaningful results.
CNA