Cyprus falls in World Press Freedom Index amid legislative concerns

On World Press Freedom Day, observed May 3, the chairman of the Union of Cyprus Journalists, Giorgos Frangos, highlighted a significant decline in the country's press freedom standing. According to the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index, Cyprus is now ranked 80th out of 180 countries. This follows rankings of 77th in 2025 and 65th in 2024, indicating a consistent downward trend. Frangos noted that Cyprus and Greece now hold the lowest rankings within the European Union. Factors contributing to this decline include the golden passports scandal, systemic corruption, and the treatment of journalist Makarios Drousiotis. Frangos criticized pending parliamentary bills that he argues aim to control journalistic content, criminalize reporting activities, and weaken data privacy. Additionally, he highlighted that the government has yet to ratify the European Media Freedom Act, which was expected in September 2025. The union also reports ongoing disputes regarding the institutional recognition of press cards.