Türkiye: IFJ President Zuliana Lainez addresses EFJ General Assembly

Zuliana Lainez, president of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), addressed unions' delegates at the General Assembly of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), taking place in Ankara, Türkiye, on 18-19 June. She emphasised the importance of journalists and media workers organising in trade unions to combat the global crisis they face, which includes attacks on their hard-won rights and freedom of the press.

On 18 June, Lainez addressed the 2026 edition of the annual EFJ meeting in Ankara. She began her speech by saluting the mobilisation of journalists and media workers in France on 18 June to defend information, and by criticising the labour reform discussed in Portugal that would erode workers' rights.

Lainez drew attention to the shift from fighting for the expansion of rights to fighting to defend those that have been won. She said: "We are potentially going through one of the most difficult moments for global journalism in many decades. The most worrying thing is that we are no longer talking about regional problems. [...] It is a global crisis." In the face of this global crisis, Lainez made it clear that remaining silent is not an option, emphasising the importance of strong trade unions and federations:"Because no journalist should face these challenges alone."

In a context where AI has become a key concern for journalism and journalists' rights, Lainez recalled the 'Global Framework Agreement on Artificial Intelligence in the Media', which was approved at the IFJ Centenary Congress. Expanding on the impact of AI on journalists' labour, she said: "We do not accept that employers, governments, and large technology companies debate and reach agreements on the use of AI. Not without us."

Lainez also emphasised that the advent of fascism must be confronted, underlining the need for strong and independent public media in the face of this phenomenon:"We need them to be strong, independent, professionalised, and protected from any political interference. We need them to remain a bastion of journalism at the service of the public."

Speaking of the defence of journalists' rights, Lainez stated: "I want to say to all journalists across the world, whether they are members of the IFJ or not, that they will always find in this Federation a voice ready to defend their rights, their safety, their freedom, and their professional dignity."

In her closing remarks, she expressed solidarity with colleagues facing repression in Türkiye and called for unity among journalists and media workers.

Download Zuliana Lainez's full speech in Spanish and English here.