Freedom House’s press freedom rankings indicate that not a single country has fully free press, EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule said in Brussels addressing the seminar for journalists.  

The seminar took place in Brussels on June 6-7 for representatives of journalists from Russia and the Eastern Partnership states. Armenia was represented by seven reporters, including one from Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Among “not free” countries in terms of press freedom, Fule pointed out Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus and Russia giving rather negative assessment.

Fule stressed that Eurovision held in Azerbaijan was a good opportunity for the government to show freedom in the country as for several days Azerbaijan was the focus of Europe’s attention. However, the European official said the country failed to use the chance.

He said the EU-drafted budget will help the states to improve press freedom and level of democracy.