In light of recent serious attempts to silence free media in Poland, Hungary and Slovenia, the role of media freedom in strengthening and enabling democracy has come into question. Such political interference undermines the right to receive information and the right to public participation, which are both fundamental rights recognised by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. What needs to be done to ensure the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists and other media professionals in the European Union? What steps should the EU take in order to protect the existence of media pluralism in Europe?