Press Freedom Concerns Mount in Luxembourg Amidst Court Ruling and Self-Censorship Fears

Press Freedom Under Scrutiny in Luxembourg

Roger Infalt, President of the Luxembourg Press Council, has recently highlighted growing concerns regarding press freedom and an increase in self-censorship within the Grand Duchy. Speaking at a New Year's reception on January 14, 2026, hosted by Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Minister Delegate for Media and Connectivity Elisabeth Margue, Infalt underscored the mounting pressure faced by journalists both globally and domestically. He emphasized the critical need to safeguard journalistic quality and pluralism, improve access to information, and strengthen legal protections for media professionals.

Impact of Recent Court Decision and Self-Censorship

A significant factor contributing to the current climate is a recent court ruling that Infalt specifically cited as a source of long-term difficulty for the press. This refers to a November 2025 decision by the Court of Cassation, which prohibits RTL from naming the former president of the FSFL postal workers' union in what is known as the 'N. Affair'. The repercussions of this verdict have led the Press Council to establish a task force to evaluate how to manage the situation. Infalt also warned that global press freedom has reached a historic low, with pressure on the media rising in Luxembourg, leading to an increased risk of self-censorship among journalists. Luxembourg has seen a decline in its press freedom index ranking, dropping to 20th in 2022, a decrease from its 2014 position.

Government Initiatives for Journalist Protection and Transparency

In response to these challenges and long-standing demands from the Press Council, the Luxembourg government has been actively pursuing measures to bolster journalist protections and improve transparency. In July 2024, a bill was introduced to establish a legal right of access to information for professional journalists, a move aimed at facilitating their work and promoting democratic debate. This legislative effort amends three existing texts, including the law on transparent and open administration, and aligns with the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents (Tromsø Convention).

Furthermore, Minister Margue outlined a new legislative bill designed to offer enhanced protection to journalists against abusive lawsuits, known as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). These proposed measures are reported to exceed the requirements of the relevant EU directive. The government's commitment is also reflected in its 2023-2028 coalition agreement, which explicitly prioritizes strengthening the protection of journalists against physical violence and intimidation. A dedicated working group on the safety of journalists, comprising representatives from various ministries and press organizations, was established in 2024, holding its first meeting in June of that year.

Ongoing Dialogue and Future Outlook

Prime Minister Luc Frieden reiterated the government's stance, emphasizing that a 'free, strong, and independent press is an essential part of democratic debate.' The ongoing discussions between government officials and press representatives, including financial support provided to the Press Council and the Luxembourg Association of Professional Journalists for legal protection, signal a continued effort to address the evolving landscape of media freedom in Luxembourg.