EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia as an attack on free media.

“Media freedom is the foundation our free and democratic society. Journalists must feel safe at work in Europe, and if not democracy as we know it will be under threat,” she said.

“I will not comment on the ongoing national investigation, but I expect there to be a thorough and independent investigation free from any political interference. Europol is in Malta and is providing support to the Maltese authorities and it is crucial that all those responsible be brought to justice as soon as possible.”

“The Commission is also in contact with malt authorities on judicial system reform and will continue to work with authorities to accelerate these reforms. “