Greece announces National Action Plan for journalist safety

During the 19th Journalists’ Conference held in Samothrace, Greek General Secretary of Communication and Information Dimitris Kirmikiroglou announced the development of a National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists. The proposed plan consists of 84 actions across eight distinct areas, aimed at providing protection and training for reporters covering war zones, natural disasters, and climate emergencies.

Key components of the plan include psychological support, assistance for journalists’ families, and confidential mechanisms for reporting harassment. Kirmikiroglou also emphasized the need for anti-SLAPP protections to safeguard journalists investigating matters of public interest.

The conference also addressed the evolving challenges of the profession, including the impact of artificial intelligence and digital publishing on news verification. Participants highlighted the critical role of reliable information during environmental crises, such as the 2023 Evros wildfire, noting that accurate reporting is a matter of public safety during natural disasters.