What Happened
The IX Congreso de Editores CELAC-UE closed in Alcalá de Henares with the signing of the Declaración de Alcalá, a joint declaration by more than 50 journalists and editors from Latin America and Europe. The final session took place at the Instituto Cervantes, where delegates approved a decálogo designed to confront the challenges facing journalism in the digital era.
Key Points of the Declaration
The document emphasizes responsible use of technology, the defense of intellectual property, linguistic sovereignty and the role of editors as guarantors of information quality. It also reiterates commitments to press freedom, the safety of journalists, and the promotion of diversity and inclusion amid the proliferation of automated content and widespread disinformation.
Discussion Themes and Voices
Organizers and participants centered debates on Spanish as a common link between the regions, framing language both as a tool for communication and as a pillar of cultural, political and social cohesion in fragmented media ecosystems. Luis García Montero, director of the Instituto Cervantes, stressed the democratic function of language and the key role of journalism in interpreting reality.
Delegates examined the impact of artificial intelligence on newsrooms. While acknowledging potential benefits for verification and content distribution, speakers warned that AI must remain under human supervision to preserve journalistic rigor and prevent the spread of false information. Spain’s foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, urged stronger international cooperation and called for AI regulation to protect democracy and counter disinformation.
Panama’s Presence and the Panama Papers
Panels included a focused discussion on investigative journalism with reference to the Panama Papers, underscoring the importance of this work against corruption and political pressure. Rolando Rodríguez, advisor on investigations at La Prensa (Panamá), and Rita Vásquez, director-secretary of the board at Corprensa, took part in the dialogue titled “Periodismo de investigación, el ejemplo de los Panamá Papers.” Rodríguez described the complexity of the Panama Papers investigations and highlighted the need for internal collaboration to safeguard journalists; Vásquez emphasized institutional resilience in the face of persecution and self-censorship.
Rodríguez warned about the erosion of investigative capacity, saying in Spanish that “si algo hay que lamentar en el periodismo, es la desaparición de los departamentos de investigación.” The testimony from Panamanian representatives illustrated the risks and persistent commitment to investigative reporting despite legal and economic pressures.
What This Means
The Alcalá Declaration sets out a shared roadmap for editors across continents to defend journalism, strengthen Spanish-language media and adapt to technological shifts while preserving ethical standards. For Panamanian newsrooms and audiences, the document reaffirms international support for investigative journalism and press safety at a time when digital transformations and political pressures complicate reporting.