Gozde Bayar
May 02, 2019•Update: May 02, 2019
ANKARA
The European Union has highlighted the essential role of a free press ahead of Friday's World Press Freedom Day.
“On World Press Freedom Day we celebrate the essential role of a free press not only as a conveyer of reliable and accurate news, but as a pillar of democracy,” said EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini in a Thursday press release.
A free press and freedom of expression are essential for democracies, she added.
She also stressed the media’s potential to support for democracy, peace, and reconciliation.
The EU works to block the spread of "disinformation that fuels hatred, division, and mistrust in democracy,” she said.
The bloc is determined to enhance quality journalism worldwide by defending the press and media freedom, she added.
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 and is celebrated worldwide each year on May 3.
This year, the 26th celebration of the day is co-organized by UNESCO, the African Union Commission, and the government of Ethiopia.
