The Periodical Press


Since the day Gutenberg invented the printing press, Europe’s periodical press has been a key element of the European social, cultural and political heritage as well as an essential part of the pluralistic mix of information, entertainment and academic advancement. Ever-improving printing techniques, electronic make-up and the digital age and have allowed the magazine market to develop and flourish over the centuries.

Today’s market is extremely dynamic and new launches - as well as closures - are frequent. Magazine publishers operate on the cutting edge of societal, cultural, scientific and educational developments and address all facets of life. As such, the periodical press industry is a key player in the knowledge society and economy so loudly touted by Europe’s decision makers and so vital to achieving the Lisbon Agenda goals.

The Freedom of Expression in Europe


The Press is a sector different from all others in society. It also has different traditions in the different EU Member States. This fact is reflected by the richness of diversity that exists in the European Union, based on so many historical, societal and cultural considerations. Given this importance, legislation impacting on the Press is not uniform within the EU and falls under the principle of subsidiarity . However, it can be said that the over-riding feature of Press regulation in the different EU Member States is that it is based on democratic values and it enshrines editorial independence and the freedom of expression.

These are proud traditions, which have too often been threatened by unfortunate circumstances throughout our collective history. Moreover, these are traditions which, in the ever-changing political landscape of the 21st Century, need to be guaranteed and guarded as vigilantly as ever. The freedom of expression provides us with a diverse and pluralistic range of ideas and opinions, which go to create the free and open Europe that we live in today. FAEP, therefore, reiterates that the freedom of expression is a fundamental right, as recognized in various international and European-specific legal instruments.

This right, however, is one that can be very easily eroded or destroyed: it is thus a right that requires vigilant safeguarding. In this respect, FAEP argues that first and foremost decision-makers must ensure that the basic principle of free expression forms the basis of all European legislation affecting the media sector. The media, and in particular publishers, accept that with this freedom comes responsibility and the industry will repay the legislators’ trust.

FAEP exists in Brussels to defend the freedom of expression, thus promoting pluralism and diversity, and ensuring that Europe’s periodical press industry remains competitive and vibrant.

Boulevard de Waterloo 36, B-1000 Brussels, Ph.: +32 2 536 06 06 Fax: +32 2 536 06 01 info@faep.org
// European Federation of Magazine Publishers // Fédération Européenne d'Editeurs de Périodiques // Europäischer Verband der Zeitschriftenverleger //