The European Parliament will today debate the recent bomb attack on Rai journalist Sigfrido Ranucci. The discussion, set for this afternoon’s plenary session in Strasbourg, will focus on criminal intimidation against investigative journalists across the European Union.
The debate follows a violent incident last Thursday night in Pomezia, south of Rome, when a one-kilogram explosive device destroyed the cars belonging to Ranucci and his daughter. Both escaped unharmed, but the attack has been widely condemned as a direct assault on media freedom in Italy. Italian authorities have since upgraded the journalist’s protection and opened an investigation through the anti-mafia division.
Ranucci, presenter of Rai’s long-running investigative programme Report, is known for his work uncovering corruption and organised crime. He has previously spoken publicly about threats, surveillance, and political pressure linked to his reporting.
The European Parliament’s decision to hold the debate was passed unanimously on Monday, with 421 votes in favour and five abstentions. Statements are expected from both the European Commission and the Council of the European Union. Parliament President Roberta Metsola expressed solidarity with Ranucci, stating that “freedom of the press is at the heart of democracy” and warning that “Europe will never take a step back.”
Safeguarding independent journalism
The attack has reignited concerns about the safety of journalists and the state of press freedom in Italy. Media organisations, including the European Federation of Journalists, have urged both national and EU authorities to ensure effective protection for investigative reporters who face intimidation.
The debate in Strasbourg forms part of a broader push by EU institutions to safeguard independent journalism, particularly as new laws such as the European Media Freedom Act come into focus. What remains to be seen is whether the Parliament will move beyond words of solidarity to propose concrete measures to protect journalists facing threats within the bloc.
