By Gozde Bayar</p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – The European Union has highlighted the essential role of a free press ahead of Friday's World Press Freedom Day.</p> <p>“On World Press Freedom Day we celebrate the essential role of a free press not only as a conveyer of reliable and accurate news, but as a pillar of democracy,” said EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini in a Thursday press release. </p> <p>A free press and freedom of expression are essential for democracies, she added.</p> <p>She also stressed the media’s potential to support for democracy, peace, and reconciliation.</p> <p>The EU works to block the spread of "disinformation that fuels hatred, division, and mistrust in democracy,” she said.</p> <p>The bloc is determined to enhance quality journalism worldwide by defending the press and media freedom, she added. </p> <p>World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 and is celebrated worldwide each year on May 3.</p> <p>This year, the 26th celebration of the day is co-organized by UNESCO, the African Union Commission, and the government of Ethiopia.
