[sparklite2]

the EU is not very freedom-minded.

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Do you read the material you post? In the article you posted just moments ago, regarding freedom the press ....

The Bundesrepublik, nevertheless, came in at a respectable 16th place, placing behind other northern European countries, such as Finland which topped the list once again, but scoring markedly better than the USA (41) and France (45).

[Olog-hai]

So what? I didn’t post that to present “Reporters Without Borders” as a wholly-credible source. The headline needs to be read in context with Article 5 of Germany’s Basic Law.

1. Every person shall have the right freely to express and disseminate his opinions in speech, writing and pictures, and to inform himself without hindrance from generally accessible sources. Freedom of the press and freedom of reporting by means of broadcasts and films shall be guaranteed. There shall be no censorship.
   
   
2. These rights shall find their limits in the provisions of general laws, in provisions for the protection of young persons, and in the right to personal honor. …

Also presented not as “negative liberties”. RSF’s methodology also has a bias to it; look at the importance they place on so-called “pluralism”.

[jospehm20]

I guess it depends on what freedoms the rater thinks are important. I call BS on these freedom numbers. I don’t think you are allowed to own weapons or use them for self defense in Germany, France or many other countries rated higher than us. You can likely use whatever bathroom you want to though.

[PAR35]

The Bundesrepublik, nevertheless, came in at a respectable 16th place,

The Government allows a free press because it is a tame press. Look how the institutional press has been a cheerleader for the Islamic Takeover, allowing the government to concentrate on suppressing the 'unofficial' media.