Europe strengthens media freedom, independence and pluralism with new European Media Freedom Act
Today, the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) enters into application across the European Union. The EMFA brings many benefits for media companies, journalists, and citizens, offering media service providers greater legal certainty and enhancing their independence.
The EMFA is designed to strengthen media freedom, independence and pluralism within the EU’s internal market. It provides, among others, stronger protection for journalists, ensures adequate funding and editorial freedom for public service media, prevents unwarranted removal of media content by very large online platforms and establishes the European Board for Media Services.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: “EMFA’s entry into application marks a milestone in our efforts to foster a stronger and safer media environment in the EU. Media providers can enjoy more legal certainty, journalists will have greater protection, including from spyware and divulging their sources, and citizens will be able to enjoy a more pluralistic, independent media across the EU.”
Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, said: “Independent media are the backbone of any democracies. With the European Media Freedom Act entering into application, media and journalists across the EU gain unprecedented safeguards, and citizens can trust that the news they receive is driven by facts, not by business or political agenda.”
Most provisions of EMFA now apply with some remaining ones, which pertain to users’ rights to customise media offerings on devices and interfaces and control access to media services, entering into application on 8 May 2027.
