Nicosia, Cyprus. Union of Cyprus Journalists chairman Giorgos Frangos said press freedom is facing difficulties in Cyprus and internationally, and that Cyprus’ drop in the World Press Freedom Index should concern the entire society. He spoke to the Cyprus News Agency on World Press Freedom Day, marked globally on May 3.
World Press Freedom Day and Cyprus ranking
Frangos described the day as one of reflection rather than celebration, for journalists and for citizens who want comprehensive and objective information.
Earlier this week, Reporters Without Borders ranked Cyprus 80th out of 180 countries in its World Press Freedom Index, down from 77th in 2025 and 65th in 2024. Frangos said Cyprus had previously been in a position lower than 50.
Factors cited in the index
Frangos said the index considers multiple factors, including issues related to golden passports, corruption, and vested interests.
He said that countries near Cyprus in the ranking reflect poorly on the country, adding that Cyprus and Greece are the lowest among EU countries, while Senegal and Sierra Leone are immediately above Cyprus.
Concerns about legislation
Frangos said the ranking should concern competent bodies and civil society as it reflects institutional problems.
He said several bills are heading toward parliament that, he argued, attempt to control journalistic content, criminalise journalistic activity, and remove personal data.
Frangos said he was disappointed that a government bill, in his view, does not focus on protecting journalists and journalistic sources, but instead addresses cases where the removal of journalists’ personal data is legalised, adding that this has prompted reactions across the journalistic community and relevant bodies.
What steps should Cyprus take to improve press freedom and address concerns raised by journalists?
