Press freedom in Cyprus is facing its most challenging period to date, according to George Frangos, President of the Union of Cyprus Journalists (ESK).
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) to mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Frangos noted that Cyprus has fallen to 80th place out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index. The island previously ranked 77th in 2025 and 65th in 2024, marking a loss of ten positions in five years.
Frangos stated that the decline is not a static phenomenon but a persistent trend. He highlighted that Cyprus and Greece now sit at the bottom of the rankings among European nations, placing Cyprus near Senegal (78th) and Sierra Leone (79th), and just above the Central African Republic (81st) and the occupied areas (82nd).
Institutional threats and legislation
The RSF report factors in issues such as the “golden passports” scandal, corruption, and the treatment of journalist Makarios Drousiotis. Frangos expressed particular concern over government bills currently before Parliament.
He argued that these legislative moves attempt to control journalistic content, criminalise activities, and lift data privacy protections. He noted that Cyprus has yet to ratify the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), which was due in September 2025.
According to Frangos, the government’s current bill focuses on legalising the lifting of journalists’ privacy rather than protecting sources, sparking widespread professional backlash.
Accreditation dispute during EU Presidency
A new institutional row has emerged regarding the recognition of ESK press cards. Frangos reported that during the current Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Press and Information Office (PIO) has refused to accredit journalists using ESK IDs, insisting only on PIO-issued cards.
“This development is unprecedented,” Frangos said, noting that both cards have co-existed and been recognised for decades. The Union has filed formal complaints with international and European federations.
Staff shortages and industry exodus
The journalism sector is also struggling with poor working conditions and chronic understaffing. Frangos warned of a “visitor phenomenon” where young, qualified journalists leave the profession within two to three years due to low pay and a lack of career prospects.
He stressed that the field must improve to secure the future of the industry. Frangos concluded by calling on journalists to unionise, arguing that only collective action can bring about the necessary changes to ensure professional dignity and press freedom.