EU: European Media Freedom Act Marks New Era for Media in the Bloc

Strategic Insights -

The European Federation of Journalists and Media Freedom Rapid Response partners have welcomed the entry into force of the European Media Freedom Act, a landmark achievement for media pluralism and independence in the European Union. As the Act sets new standards for media freedom, many Member States are lagging behind in their obligation to align domestic legislation with the rules outlined by the EMFA. The success of the EMFA now depends on political will within Member States, with journalists and media workers pressing for full implementation of its provisions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) has entered into force on August 8, 2025, marking a new era for media freedom in the EU.
  • Key provisions now in force include Article 4 on surveillance, Article 5 on public broadcaster financing, Article 3 on access to editorially independent media content, and Article 18 on transparency and accountability in the digital space.
  • The success of the EMFA depends on national governments' commitment to significant reforms of their media legislation, necessary to align with the EMFA's standards.
  • Many national governments are not prepared or politically willing to make the required legislative changes, posing a serious risk to the EMFA's effectiveness.
  • The European Commission and the European Board for Media Services must rigorously monitor the EMFA implementation and use all legal tools available to act decisively to enforce its provisions.
  • The MFRR partners commit to scrutinising the EMFA implementation, assessing the progress of national transposition, and advocating for strong implementation by national governments.

Statistics:

  • The EMFA has been adopted in early 2024.
  • The Act has been in force for 15 months (as of August 8, 2025).
  • 10 months have passed since national governments had more than a year to align domestic legislation with the EMFA's rules.
  • 15 key provisions of the EMFA are in force, including:

+ Article 4: Surveillance

+ Article 5: Public broadcaster financing

+ Article 3: Access to editorially independent media content

+ Article 18: Transparency and accountability in the digital space

Sources:

  • European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
  • Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR)
  • European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
  • ARTICLE 19 Europe
  • Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
  • International Press Institute (IPI)
  • Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)