EU member states have formally endorsed the provisional agreement on the European Media Freedom Act, which was initially reached on December 15, 2023, between the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. The EMFA represents a landmark legislative initiative aimed at establishing a unified framework for media services across the EU’s internal market. This framework prioritizes the protection of three core principles: media freedom, media pluralism, and editorial independence. By incorporating these principles, the EMFA strives to create an environment where journalists and media providers can operate without undue political interference and seamlessly conduct their activities across national borders.

This agreement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to ensure a vibrant and pluralistic media landscape within the EU. The EMFA serves a dual purpose: firstly, it guarantees citizens’ access to a diverse range of information sources, fostering an informed citizenry; secondly, it outlines specific responsibilities for Member States, mandating them to establish frameworks that actively promote and safeguard media freedom. The upcoming steps involve finalizing the text of the EMFA in all official EU languages and its formal adoption by both the Council and the Parliament. This process is anticipated to be completed by April 2024. The official enactment of the EMFA signifies the EU’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a robust and independent media landscape. This legal framework serves as a crucial instrument for protecting media entities and guaranteeing citizens’ access to a rich tapestry of reliable and diverse information sources.

The press release is available here.