Journalists‘ unions and associations from 30 countries have called on Governments in Europe to abolish the systematic surveillance of citizens and, in particular, on the work of journalists and media.

The Berlin conference of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) says that electronic monitoring of telephone and e-mail communications contravenes international and European legal standards.

The condemnation comes as lawmakers in Sweden, traditionally regarded as one of Europe’s freest societies, are set to agree on Tuesday (17 June) a law that will allow the defence ministry to track all transnational telephone and E-mail communications.

“The tapping of journalists telephones compromises the watchdog role of media and puts at risk the right to inform the public,“ said Arne Konig Vice President of the Swedish Journalists Federation and President of the EFJ. “Journalism is at a crossroads and we much choose the path that reinforces editorial standards, respect for civil liberties and decent work for all in media.“

The issue was one of many concerning the future of journalism at the conference which endorsed a programme to maintain and improve media quality and ethical conduct in journalism. The EFJ says that there is a fundamental link between improved working conditions and maintaining high standards of journalism.

”Media make democracy meaningful, but we need to see higher ethical standards across the industry – in the newsroom, in management, in employment and industrial relations,“ said Aidan White, EFJ General Secretary.  “Perhaps our greatest challenge is to build  a new social partnership based on principles of fairness that will build a confident and vigorous industry for the future.“