Groundbreaking new EU laws aimed at safeguarding the independence of newsrooms received final approval from the European Parliament. The Media Freedom Act, first proposed by the EU executive in September 2022, was adopted with overwhelming support. The Act requires EU governments to protect media against interference and limit the use of spyware against journalists. News outlets will need to disclose ownership, funding, and state advertising information. A new EU body, the European Board for Media Services, will oversee law implementation. Disinformation, lack of media ownership transparency, and increased pressure on journalists prompted the EU’s intervention, marking the first regulation to protect the free press, essential to European democracy.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola lauded the Act’s adoption, honoring journalists like Daphne Caruana Galizia and Ján Kuciak, both slain for their reporting. NGOs like Reporters Without Borders praised the Act as a significant advancement for EU information rights. European Commissioner Věra Jourová emphasized the law’s message against democratic weakening and financial influence over media. With countries like Ireland, Finland, and Sweden ranking high in media independence, Germany’s Sabine Verheyen, the lead lawmaker, highlighted the Act’s importance to free the media from state influence. Greece, ranked low in global media independence, underscores the Act’s necessity to hold both governments and media accountable.
The European Parliament had aimed to ban spyware use against journalists but faced opposition from some member states. France, Italy, Malta, Greece, Cyprus, Sweden, and Finland secured provisions allowing governments to monitor journalist-source communications under national security threats. Spyware use may only occur as a last resort and with legal backing, ensuring journalists are informed of any actions taken against them. Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld welcomed curbs on spyware but warned the Commission against government interference in media freedom. Commissioner Jourová vowed to monitor enforcement of the Act to prevent EU countries from undermining media freedom.
The Act now awaits final approval from the Council to become law, with measures put in place to combat threats to media independence. As the EU strives to protect journalists and uphold freedom of the press, the Media Freedom Act represents a crucial step towards this goal. By establishing rules to promote transparency, accountability, and freedom from state censorship, the Act advances the EU’s commitment to protecting democratic values and upholding journalistic integrity. The Act’s passage serves as a landmark achievement in the fight against disinformation, ensuring that journalists can work without fear of reprisal or interference. Going forward, the EU must remain vigilant in enforcing these laws and safeguarding the fundamental right to freedom of expression for all citizens within the bloc.
