New European law on media freedom comes into effect
The new European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) comes into force on Friday, aiming to safeguard press freedom and promote media pluralism across the European Union.
Media freedom is increasingly under threat worldwide, including within the EU itself. A recent report by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe highlights growing concerns, noting that in several member states, such as Hungary and Slovakia, the media largely acts as a mouthpiece for those in power.
Elsewhere, issues stem from excessive media concentration. More than half of all EU countries saw their rankings decline in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), compared with the previous year.
In response, the EMFA was adopted at the end of 2023. The legislation is designed to strengthen editorial independence, enhance the protection of journalistic sources, and increase transparency around media ownership, among other measures.
During negotiations, France pushed for a controversial exemption that would have allowed surveillance of journalists on national security grounds, a proposal that drew strong criticism from press freedom organisations. In the end, this exemption was removed from the final text.
© PHOTO HANS LUCAS COLLECTION
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