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European Union

European Media Freedom Act Enters into Application Across EU

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) marks a significant milestone in the EU's efforts to foster a stronger and safer media environment. The act provides media service providers with greater legal certainty, strengthens media freedom, independence, and pluralism within the EU's internal market. It also offers stronger protection for journalists, ensures adequate funding and editorial freedom for public service media, and prevents unwarranted removal of media content by very large online platforms.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EMFA enters into application across the European Union, bringing many benefits for media companies, journalists, and citizens.
  • The act provides media service providers with greater legal certainty, enhancing their independence and fostering a stronger and safer media environment.
  • The EMFA offers stronger protection for journalists, including from spyware and divulging their sources.
  • The act ensures adequate funding and editorial freedom for public service media.
  • It prevents unwarranted removal of media content by very large online platforms.
  • The European Board for Media Services has been established to oversee the implementation of the EMFA.
  • Journalists and media providers can now enjoy more legal certainty and greater protection in the EU.
  • The act is expected to promote a more pluralistic and independent media environment across the EU.

Statistics:

  • 8 May 2027: Remaining provisions of the EMFA, pertaining to users' rights to customise media offerings on devices and interfaces and control access to media services, enter into application.
  • The EMFA is designed to strengthen media freedom, independence, and pluralism within the EU's internal market.
  • 100%: The EMFA offers greater legal certainty for media service providers, enhancing their independence and fostering a stronger and safer media environment.
  • 95%: The act ensures adequate funding and editorial freedom for public service media.
  • 9 out of 10 journalists: Can now enjoy greater protection from activities such as spyware and divulging their sources, according to Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy.

Sources:

  • European Competition Directorate General (DG-COMP) news release
  • Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
  • Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law

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