The European Council has taken a significant step towards safeguarding media freedom and pluralism within the bloc by adopting the European Media Freedom Act. This legislative package establishes a unified framework for media services across the EU’s internal market, prioritizing the protection of journalists, media independence, and citizens’ access to diverse information. The EMFA responds to growing anxieties within the EU about the politicization of media outlets, the lack of transparency in media ownership structures, and the potential for political manipulation of state advertising budgets allocated to media organizations. By fostering an environment free from undue political influence, the EMFA aims to guarantee the safety of journalists and their sources, thereby preserving the critical role of a free press in a democratic society.

Building upon the foundation laid by the 2018 Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), the EMFA establishes a new independent body – the European Board for Media Services. Replacing the previous Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA), this board will comprise representatives from national media authorities. Its core function will be to advise and support the European Commission, ensuring consistent implementation of the EMFA’s key provisions across all member states.

The press release is available here.