Journalistsmatter - Luxembourg

Organised by the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Media, Connectivity and Digital Policy of the Ministry of State of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Conference on the Prosecution of Crimes against Journalists: “Building the Paradigm against Impunity of Crimes against Journalists” will be held in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on 29 April 2025. This conference will be followed by the third annual meeting of the national focal points of the “Journalists Matter” Campaign on 30 April 2025.

Over the course of two days, international experts, legal professionals, journalists, and human rights defenders will come together to address a crucial issue: how to ensure that crimes committed against journalists do not go unpunished. Through high-level exchanges and practical discussions, the conference aims to identify possible courses of action and strengthen existing legal mechanisms.

Objectives of the conference:

Raise awareness of the importance of combating impunity & protecting journalists
Examine various legal frameworks, case law & national practices in the field
Explore additional actions to prevent & fight impunity

Portrait of minister Margue - © SIP / Claude Piscitelli

Elisabeth Margue, Minister of Justice and Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Media and Connectivity, Luxembourg

I am deeply proud that Luxembourg, as part of its Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, is serving as the host for this significant event. I would like to reiterate the importance of the topic of this conference, which aims to ensure that journalists are able to carry out their work — which is essential to the proper functioning of our democratic societies — in full safety.
At a time when press freedom is increasingly under threat, and journalists and members of the media are being targeted for simply doing their jobs, it is more crucial than ever to continue collective efforts that ensure their safety. The justice system plays a fundamental role in fighting impunity and cannot remain silent or inactive in the face of attacks on the media.
This conference represents our collective ambition to advance best practices; mobilize legal, political and civil actors; and send a clear message: crimes against journalists must not go unpunished.
I hope this initiative helps advance our fight for truth, justice, freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

AGENDA

Screening of ‘Journalists Matter’ video dedicated to the prosecution pilar of the Campaign

Moderator: Irena GUIDIKOVA, Head of Department, Democratic Institutions and Freedoms Department, Directorate for Democracy, Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Council of Europe.

Elisabeth Margue, Minister of Justice and Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Media and Connectivity of Luxembourg

Matjaž GRUDEN, Director, Directorate for Democracy, Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Council of Europe

Valentina GRIPPO, General Rapporteur on Media Freedom and Safety of Journalists, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Claude WILD, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the Council of Europe, Chair of the Group of Friends for the Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, Strasbourg

Misch PAUTSCH, Vice-President of the Luxembourgish Press Council, President of the Association of Luxembourgish Professional Journalists

Dr Tawfik JELASSI, UNESCO Assistant Director General for Communication and Information

Audrius PERKAUSKAS, Deputy Head of Unit, DG for Communication Networks, Content and Technology – CONNECT, European Commission

Rodica Ciochina, Campaign Manager, Freedom of Expression and CDMSI Division, Directorate for Democracy, Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Council of Europe

Moderator: Irena GUIDIKOVA, Head of Department, Democratic Institutions and Freedoms Department, Directorate for Democracy, Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Council of Europe

Antoine BERNARD, Director of Advocacy and Assistance, Reporters without Borders (RSF)

Ali BOZKAYA, Lawyer, Freedom of Expression case-law Coordinator, Registry of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)

Artemiza-Tatiana CHISCA, Head of Freedom of Expression and CDMSI Division, Directorate for Democracy, Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Council of Europe

Caoilfhionn GALLAGHER KC, International Human Rights Lawyer, Expert in Journalists’ Safety and Media Freedom

Sylvie COUDRAY, Director, Division of Freedom of Expression, Media Development, Media and Information Literacy, UNESCO

Welcome area on the first floor

Moderator: Tom GIBSON, CPJ EU Representative, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

Jesper NYMARK, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, DanWatch

Wiggo STORHAUG LARSSEN, Bureau Member, Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE)

Stéphane PISANI, Judge at the European Court of Human Rights in respect of Luxembourg

Darko MARTINCEVIC, Cantonal Prosecutor's Office of the Sarajevo Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Panoramic room on the ground floor

Moderator: Tarlach MCGONAGLE, Associate professor at IViR, University of Amsterdam & Professor of Media Law and Information Society at Leiden University

Tom GIBSON, CPJ EU Representative, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

Rebecca WHITTINGTON, Online Safety Editor, Reach plc

Mihailo JOVOVIC, President of the Commission for Monitoring the Actions of Competent Authorities in Investigations of Cases of Threats and Violence against Journalists, Murders of Journalists and Attacks on Media Property, Montenegro

Sérgio GOMES DA SILVA, Director, #PortugalMediaLab (Task Force for Media Public Policies), Coordinator of the National Plan for the Safety of Journalists

Welcome area on the first floor

Moderator: Tarlach MCGONAGLE, Associate professor at IViR, University of Amsterdam & Professor of Media Law and Information Society at Leiden University

Philippe SCHOCKWEILER, Journalist and Communication Expert, Luxembourg

Julie POSETTI, Professor, Global Director of Research, International Centre for Journalists & Professor of Journalism at City, University of London

Flutura KUSARI, Legal Advisor, European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)

Ganna KRASNOSTUP, Director of the Department for Strategic Communications and Promotion of Ukrainian Culture, Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine

Liubov VELICHKO, Journalist, Ukraine

Tarlach MCGONAGLE, Associate professor at IViR, University of Amsterdam & Professor of Media Law and Information Society at Leiden University

Irena GUIDIKOVA, Head of Department, Democratic Institutions and Freedoms Department, Directorate for Democracy, Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Council of Europe

Lynn WARKEN, President of the Luxembourg Press Council

Venue: Casino Luxembourg

Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain
41, rue Notre-Dame, L-2240 Luxembourg

Ground floor

Opening Remarks: Irena Guidikova, Head of Department, Democratic Institutions and Freedoms Department, Council of Europe

Campaign Secretariat updates: Rodica Ciochina, Campaign Manager, Freedom of Expression and CDMSI Division

Flutura Kusari, Legal Advisor, European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF): Key findings and trends from the latest report

Moderator: Tarlach McGonagle, Senior Lecturer & Researcher at Institute for Information Law (IViR), University of Amsterdam

Country examples:

Luxembourg's National Action Plan: Céline Flammang, Senior Policy Advisor, Department of Media, Connectivity and Digital Policy, Ministry of State; Focal point

Ukraine: Ganna Krasnostup, Director of the Department for Strategic Communications and Promotion of Ukrainian Culture, Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine; Focal point

Montenegro: Vukašin Pudar, Adviser in Directorate for media in Ministry of Culture and Media; Focal point

Interactive discussion:

Focal points share experiences, challenges, and strategies in formulating and executing national action plans.

Panoramic room

Moderator: Peter Ter Velde, Project manager, Persveilig

Campaign Secretariat - Presentation of Council of Europe’ s instruments:

Flutura Kusari, Legal Advisor, European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF): Role of civil society in monitoring practices, the importance of independent platforms, hotlines, and leveraging civil society data to support official monitoring efforts.

Case Studies:

Switzerland: Andrin Eichin, Senior Policy Advisor International Relations at Swiss Federal Office of Communications

Interactive discussion:

Sharing best practices and addressing challenges in developing and applying national indicators.

Questions to be addressed:

How do you currently measure progress in your country regarding journalist safety?
What indicators have you found most useful, and why? • What challenges have you faced in developing or applying indicators?
How can indicators be adapted to different national contexts (e.g., wartime, authoritarian settings)?
How using indicators inform policy adjustments and resource allocation?
What was the role of the national Campaign committees in the definition of the indicators and the evaluations based on them?

Panoramic room

Moderator: Rebecca Whittington, Online Safety Editor, Reach plc.

Country existing practices and challenges

Ireland: Leah Kieran, Policy Officer, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Ireland
United Kingdom: Janis Makarewich-Hall, Deputy Director for Radio, Advertising and Press, Department for Culture Media and Sport

Interactive discussion with other examples from the member States:

Existing legal frameworks on online safety
Exploring effective measures, training initiatives, and collaborative strategies to mitigate online harassment
Collaborative efforts between government and tech companies to address online abuse

Panoramic room

Moderator: Rodica Ciochina, Campaign Manager

Reviewing upcoming campaign activities and timelines
Identifying priorities and potential initiatives from member States for the next campaign phase

Irena Guidikova, Head of Department, Democratic Institutions and Freedoms Department, Council of Europe

VENUE

The Hemicycle offers both comfort and convenience for all our participants. Below, you will find all the necessary information to help you get there, whether you are travelling by public transport, car, train, or plane.

We have also included recommendations for nearby accommodation to make your stay as pleasant as possible. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this enriching experience with you.

Hémicycle

Address:: 1, rue du Fort Thüngen  L-1499 Neudorf-Weimershof Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Phone:: +352 43 02 57 751
Email:: contact@eccl.lu
Visit website:: Hémicycle

Public transport is free in Luxembourg, which makes getting around the city easy and convenient. The Hemicycle is easily accessible by both bus and tram. You can take bus lines 12 or 32 and get off at the “Philharmonie/Mudam” stop.

As for the tram, there is currently only one tram line in Luxembourg, which serves all major routes across Luxembourg City. Simply take the tram either in the direction of “Luxexpo” or “Stadion” (depending on your point of departure) and get off at the “Philharmonie/Mudam” stop.

From there, the venue is just a 5-minute walk away.

Luxembourg Central station is about 15 minutes away by taxi / Uber or bus, and approximately 20 minutes by tram. You can take the tram towards “Luxexpo” directly from the station and get off at the “Philharmonie/Mudam” stop.

Alternatively, you may get off at the Pfaffenthal-Kirchberg station. From there, take the funicular up to the Kirchberg plateau, then board the tram towards “Luxexpo” and get off at the “Philharmonie/Mudam” stop.

If you are coming by car, parking spaces are available in the underground car parks located near the event venue. The closest underground car parks are:

Place de l’Europe Car Park
Trois Glands Car Park

Please note that parking fees apply.

Luxembourg Airport is located about 20 minutes by taxi / Uber or bus from the city center. The venue can also be reached by tram. Take the tram towards “Stadion” directly from the airport and get off at the “Philharmonie/Mudam” stop.

For your comfort, hotel rooms have been pre-booked at the following hotels:

Moxy Luxembourg Airport
Skypark Business Center, L-1748 Luxembourg
Best Western Plus – Grand Hôtel Victor Hugo
3-5, Avenue Victor Hugo, L-1750 Luxembourg

SPEAKERS

We are delighted to introduce the speakers of the Conference on the Prosecution of Crimes Against Journalists: “Building the Paradigm against Impunity of Crimes against Journalists.”

Our speakers are renowned experts in the fields of justice, human rights, and press freedom. They will bring valuable insights and diverse experiences to enrich the discussions and reflections on this crucial topic.

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Antoine BERNARD
Director of Advocacy and Assistance, Reporters without Borders (RSF)

Ali BOZKAYA
Lawyer, Freedom of Expression case-law Coordinator, Registry of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)

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Rodica CIOCHINA
Campaign Manager, Freedom of Expression and CDMSI Division, Directorate for Democracy, Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Council of Europe

Sylvie COUDRAY
Director, Division of Freedom of Expression, Media Development, Media and Information Literacy, UNESCO

Artemiza-Tatiana CHISCA
Head of Freedom of Expression and CDMSI Division, Directorate for Democracy, Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Council of Europe

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Caoilfhionn GALLAGHER KC
International Human Rights Lawyer, Expert in Journalists’ Safety and Media Freedom

Tom GIBSON
CPJ EU Representative, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

Sérgio GOMES DA SILVA
Director, #PortugalMediaLab (Task Force for Media Public Policies), Coordinator of the National Plan for the Safety of Journalists

Matjaž GRUDEN
Director, Directorate for Democracy, Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Council of Europe

Valentina GRIPPO
General Rapporteur on Media Freedom and Safety of Journalists, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

Irena GUIDIKOVA
Head of Department, Democratic Institutions and Freedoms Department, Directorate for Democracy, Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Council of Europe

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Dr Tawfik JELASSI
UNESCO Assistant Director General for Communication and Information

Mihailo JOVOVIC
President of the Commission for Monitoring the Actions of Competent Authorities in Investigations of Cases of Threats and Violence against Journalists, Murders of Journalists and Attacks on Media Property, Montenegro

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Flutura KUSARI
Legal Advisor, European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)

Ganna KRASNOSTUP
Director of the Department for Strategic Communications and Promotion of Ukrainian Culture, Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine

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Wiggo STORHAUG LARSSEN
Bureau Member, Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE)

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Elisabeth MARGUE
Minister of Justice and Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Media and Connectivity of Luxembourg

Darko MARTINCEVIC
Cantonal Prosecutor's Office of the Sarajevo Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tarlach MCGONAGLE
Associate professor at IViR, University of Amsterdam & Professor of Media Law and Information Society at Leiden University

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Jesper NYMARK
CEO & Editor-in-Chief, DanWatch

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Misch PAUTSCH
Vice-President of the Luxembourgish Press Council, President of the Association of Luxembourgish Professional Journalists

Audrius PERKAUSKAS
Deputy Head of Unit, DG for Communication Networks, Content and Technology – CONNECT, European Commission

Stéphane PISANI
Judge, European Court of Human Rights (in respect of Luxembourg)

Julie POSETTI
Professor, Global Director of Research, International Centre for Journalists & Professor of Journalism at City, University of London

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Philippe SCHOCKWEILER
Journalist and Communication Expert, Luxembourg

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Liubov VELICHKO
Journalist, Ukraine

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Lynn WARKEN
President of the Luxembourg Press Council

Rebecca WHITTINGTON
Online Safety Editor, Reach plc

Claude WILD
Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the Council of Europe, Chair of the Group of Friends for the Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, Strasbourg

NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS

This conference comes on the brink of Luxembourg’s adoption of a National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists (2025-2028). It proposes concrete measures to strengthen the protection of media professionals against the threats & violence they face. The plan leans on the four pillars of the 2016 Council of Europe Recommendation: prevention, protection, prosecution, & the promotion of information, education & awareness. The national action plan will be adopted soon.

Download the national action plan here (Pdf, 2.23 Mb)

WËLLKOMM ZU LËTZEBUERG ! BIENVENUE AU LUXEMBOURG !

As you plan your visit, please consider some of the many sites & experiences that Luxembourg has to offer. Remember, public transportation is completely free, so we hope you’ll get out & explore.

Luxembourg City, the capital, is a vibrant blend of modernity & history. Stroll through the charming old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, & admire the magnificent fortifications. Don't miss the picturesque Grund district, known for its lively terraces & waterfront views.

Luxembourg is home to a long list of castles. Vianden Castle, perched on a hill, offers breathtaking views & a glimpse into medieval times. The Grand Ducal Palace, in the heart of the city, is another must-see, showcasing the country's royal heritage.

The Mullerthal region, also known as "Little Switzerland," offers beautiful hiking trails through rocky landscapes & lush forests. The Ardennes, to the north, boast serene valleys & majestic highlands, perfect for outdoor activities.

Get a taste of Luxembourg’s rich cultural scene. Visit Mudam (the Museum of Modern Art), or explore the Casemates du Bock, a network of fascinating underground tunnels. For world-class concerts & performances, head to the Philharmonie Luxembourg.

Thematic Conferences:

CinEast presents: War Correspondent (more information here)
Conversations on War Photography (more information here)

Treat yourself to Luxembourg’s culinary delights and renowned wines. The Moselle region, famous for its vineyards, offers wine tasting tours with stunning views. Savor local specialties in one of Luxembourg City's many gourmet restaurants.

Luxembourg City Tourist Office

Luxembourg - Let’s make it happen

Photo gallery

kirchberg-h2a.jpg

Download kirchberg-h2a.jpg
- 5.64 Mb

All the images will be available via this Flickr link:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/202727871@N06/albums/72177720325709718

You’ll find all the high-quality photos there, available for free download.

Elisabeth Margue, Minister of Justice and Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Media and Connectivity, Luxembourg

AGENDA

29.04.25 Day 1 - Conference

8h30 - 9h00 Registration and welcome coffee

9h00 - 9h30 Opening session

9h30 - 10h20 Scene setting

10h20 - 10h30 Council of Europe ‘Journalists Matter’ Campaign Progress

10h30 - 11h25 Session 1: Combating crimes against journalists: Challenges and applicable standards

11h25 - 11h40 Coffee Break

11h40 - 12h45 Session 2: Combating impunity and a culture of impunity for crimes against journalists: effective prosecution and sanctioning of crimes against journalists

12h45 - 14h00 Lunch Break

14h00 - 15h30 Session 3: Combating impunity and a culture of impunity of crimes against journalists: a multi-stakeholder endeavour

15h30 - 15h45 Coffee Break

15h45 - 17h00 Session 4: Remedies and support for journalists who suffered from threats and attacks

17h00 - 17h20 Sum-up of discussions: Operational measures checklist under the Prosecution pillar of a National Action Plan for the safety of Journalists

17h20 - 17h40 Closing remarks

19h00 - 21h00 Reception hosted by the Luxembourg Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe

30.04.25 Day 2 - Third annual meeting of the National Focal Points, Campaign for the Safety of Journalists – Journalists Matter

8h30 - 9h00 Welcoming coffee and registration

9h00 - 09h20 Opening remarks and Campaign updates

09h20 - 09h50 Presentation of the Platform for the protection of journalism and safety of journalists' Annual Report

09h50 - 11h00 Session 1: Developing and implementing National Action Plans for journalists’ safety

11h00 - 11h15 Coffee break

11h15 - 12h30 Session 2: Establishing National Indicators to monitor journalists’ safety

12h30 - 14h00 Lunch break

14h00 - 15h15 Session 3: Addressing online harassment of journalists

15h15 - 15h30 Coffee break

15h30 - 16h15 Session 4: Planning and coordination for future Campaign activities

16h15 - 16h30Wrap-up and Closing remarks

VENUE

Public Transport

Train

Car

Plane

Accommodation

SPEAKERS

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NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS

WËLLKOMM ZU LËTZEBUERG ! BIENVENUE AU LUXEMBOURG !

Discover Luxembourg City

Historic Sites & Castles

Natural Beauty

Cultural Experiences

Food & Wine

For more information

Photo gallery