LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has made modest progress in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, rising six places to 67th out of 180 countries. However, despite the improvement, the Mediterranean island remains among the worst-ranked EU member states, placing 23rd out of 27.
The rankings, compiled annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), reflect a slight improvement for Malta, which moved up from 73rd in the previous year. But the country’s ranking within the EU remains concerning.
“Despite the increase in the Index, Malta remains among the worst-ranked EU countries,” said Pavol Szalai, Head of RSF’s EU-Balkans Desk. He pointed out that the relative progress in Malta’s rank could be attributed to a broader decline in press freedom in other European nations, particularly Bulgaria and Cyprus. The report also highlighted the mixed results of Malta’s press freedom landscape. RSF acknowledged some positive steps, such as the adoption of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) by the EU and the introduction of anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) measures by the Maltese government. However, these reforms have not been enough to lift the country to a higher standing among its European peers.
Earlier this year, a report from the Council of Europe criticized Malta for failing to provide comprehensive protection against SLAPPs, limiting protections to only cross-border cases. This decision was seen as an opportunity missed to lead by example in safeguarding journalistic freedoms. Szalai also emphasized that despite the modest improvement, Malta’s press freedom situation remains far from ideal, especially when compared to the pre-2017 environment.
The assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017 continues to cast a long shadow over the country’s press freedom environment. While the alleged mastermind behind the murder has been released on bail earlier this year, Malta’s press freedom has yet to recover to its former levels. “The 2017 killing continues to impact press freedom and journalist safety in the country,” Szalai said. He also expressed hope that the ongoing trial of the alleged bomb suppliers in the case would bring Malta closer to justice, though he noted that full justice will not be achieved until the mastermind is convicted.
RSF also raised concerns about the restrictions on media coverage of the judicial proceedings related to the alleged mastermind’s case. The ban on journalistic reporting has been heavily criticized for limiting press freedom, a stance that RSF has vocally denounced.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
