Cyprus has experienced a notable decline in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, dropping 12 places to rank 77th out of 180 countries, according to the latest report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
This places the country among the lower-ranked European Union member states in terms of press freedom.
A challenging year for press freedom
The 2025 RSF report highlights a global deterioration in press freedom, with the average score falling below 55 for the first time, categorizing the global situation as “difficult.”
Economic instability, media concentration, and political interference are cited as primary factors contributing to this decline.
Europe remains the region with the highest levels of press freedom, yet countries in Southern and Eastern Europe are lagging behind their Northern and Western counterparts.
The top 15 countries in the index are all European, with Norway leading, followed by Estonia, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark.
Iran, Syria, China, North Korea and Eritrea were ranked the five worst countries in the world to be a journalist, with non-existent press freedom.
In the Middle East, dozens of reporters have been killed during Israel’s military assault in Gaza, Reporters Without Borders said.
Press freedom in Cyprus
In Cyprus, the RSF report points to several issues undermining media independence and pluralism.
The influence of political entities, the Orthodox Church, and business interests over media outlets has led to self-censorship among journalists.
Informal relationships between politicians and media owners have resulted in direct interference in editorial decisions. Additionally, the concentration of media ownership and a lack of transparency in media operations are highlighted as significant concerns.
The legislative framework in Cyprus is described as limited in its ability to protect media freedom. Recent legislative proposals have raised alarms, including amendments that could allow for the prosecution and imprisonment of journalists deemed to be spreading “fake news,” as determined by the attorney general.
Another draft law proposes the surveillance of journalists to uncover their sources, posing further threats to press freedom.
Occupied northern Cyprus
In the northern part of Cyprus, press freedom continues to face challenges. While national legislation ostensibly protects press freedom, provisions allowing limitations to preserve public order, national security, and public morality are in place. Journalists face increasing pressures, including legal challenges and economic hardships.
The economic crisis, exacerbated by the depreciation of the Turkish lira, has deeply affected the media landscape, leading to greater dependence on advertising and sponsorships, which in turn increases the influence of business interests on editorial content.
Political pressures also pose significant challenges. There have been instances of sanctions, lawsuits, and punitive measures against journalists who criticise the Turkish or Turkish Cypriot governments, military, or officials. For example, a journalist faced a 10-year prison sentence for criticising the Turkish army, and four journalists were reportedly prevented from entering Turkey. Others have experienced censorship, job loss, or forced resignation after expressing critical views.
Greece: Lowest press freedom ranking in the EU
Greece has recorded the worst result in the European Union for the fourth consecutive year, ranking 89th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. Key factors contributing to this ranking include the surveillance of journalists using Predator spyware, government interference, intimidatory lawsuits, and inadequate legal protections.
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