Commission Statement on the funeral of Daphne Caruana Galizia

Today, the world takes leave of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

We were all horrified by the fact that this well-known and respected Maltese journalist lost her life on 16 October in a criminal act of unspeakable brutality. 

Daphne Caruana Galizia’s career spanned over 30 years, she was a pioneer of investigative journalism in Malta. Her ability to trigger debate is a testament to the success of her reporting and her dedication to the pursuit of truth.

President Juncker and the European Commission condemned this brutal attack in the strongest terms possible. The right of a journalist to investigate, ask uncomfortable questions and report effectively, is at the heart of our values and needs to be guaranteed at all times.

Today, Malta will hold a national day of mourning to mark the funeral of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Our thoughts and hearts are with the people of Malta, and above all with Daphne Caruana Galizia’s family, her colleagues and friends.

At the request of President Juncker, the flags at the Commission Headquarters in Brussels will fly half-mast in honour of Daphne Caruana Galizia and all those who have given their lives for the freedom of speech.