EU cites Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ressa, calls her work an 'inspiration'
The European Union (EU) has also sent its congratulatory message to Filipino Maria Ressa for receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

Ressa, chief executive officer (CEO) of Rappler, won the coveted award Friday, Oct. 8 along with Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov.
"The European Union welcomes the decision to award the to Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression and congratulate them wholeheartedly," High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell said in a statement,
"We fully subscribe to the Nobel Committee’s acknowledgment that freedom of expression is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace worldwide," he said.
According to Borrell, Ressa "has not shied away to demonstrate her commitment to facts as the basis for truth and trust in a democracy".
"Her dedication to journalism, in the face of numerous ongoing legal actions and her conviction, is an inspiration to all who believe in the importance of free and independent journalism. Her work offers hope not only to the people in the Philippines, but across South-East Asia and the world," the EU official said.
Meanwhile, the French Embassy in the Philippines also welcomed the awarding of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize to Ressa, who made history by being the first laureate from the Philippines.
"The attribution of the Nobel Peace Prize this year to journalists reaffirms the importance of the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression, which are essential pillars of peace and democracy," it said.
"Moreover, it underscores the need to ensure the safety of media workers all over the world," the Embassy added.
"Maria Ressa's consistent participation in the Paris Peace Forum since 2018 is a reflection of her efforts and dedication to these shared goals and values," it further said.