European Media Freedom Act: European Commission proposes rules to protect media pluralism and independence in the EU

The proposed Regulation includes, among others, safeguards against political interference in editorial decisions and against surveillance. It puts a focus on the independence and stable funding of public service media as well as on the transparency of media ownership and of the allocation of state advertising. It also sets out measures to protect independence of editors and disclose conflicts of interest. 

Finally, the Act will address the issue of media concentrations and create a new independent European Board for Media Services, comprised of national media authorities. 

The Commission also adopted a complementary Recommendation to encourage internal safeguards for editorial independence.

Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, said:

“We have seen over the past years various forms of pressure on the media. It is high time to act. We need to establish clear principles: no journalist should be spied on because of their job; no public media should be turned into propaganda channel. This is what we are proposing today for the first time ever: common safeguards to protect media freedom and pluralism in the EU”.

For More Information

Full Commission press release

Questions and Answers on the European Media Freedom Act

Factpage: European Media Freedom Act

Factsheet: European Media Freedom Act

European Media Freedom Act Proposal and Recommendation

European Media Freedom Act Impact Assessment

Video of Vice-President Jourová on the Media Freedom Act