In a joint letter signed by the EBU, European journalists’ and media organisations urge the European institutions to ensure that the draft Directive on trade secrets guarantees a clear and strong protection of the right to media freedom and information. Otherwise, the draft Directive should be rejected.

Journalists’ and media organisations express their concern regarding the potential damaging impact on press freedom of the proposal for an EU directive “on the protection of undisclosed know-how and business information (trade secrets) against their unlawful acquisition, use and disclosure”. The adoption of the draft Directive is currently being discussed between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission in the context of tripartite meetings.

The letter was sent to the rapporteur, shadow-rapporteurs, members of the European Parliament Legal Committee, the Permanent representatives of the EU member states (COREPER) and relevant contacts in the European Commission.

Last June, the EBU signed a press release with the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the European Newspaper Publishers’ Association (ENPA) and the European Magazine Media Association (EMMA), calling for a clear and strong protection of the right to media freedom and information. The EBU General Assembly also adopted a Resolution to express deep concern regarding the potential introduction in European legislation of restrictions to journalists’ capacity to investigate and report on business activities that are in the public interest.