European Union's Media Freedom Act Enters Final Phase of Negotiation

Strategic Insights -

The European Union's (EU) Media Freedom Act (EMFA) is entering its final phase of negotiation after two different draft versions were adopted by the EU Council and the European Parliament. The law aims to promote EU-wide media pluralism without political interference and safeguard the independence of media companies. According to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Europe needs a law that protects the independence of media companies and fosters transparency on media ownership.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Commission introduced the EMFA on 16 September 2022 to fight political interference in editorial decisions, foster pluralism in the EU's media landscape, and boost transparency on media ownership.
  • The Council of the European Union agreed on its version of the EMFA's text on 21 June 2023, while the European Parliament adopted its version on 3 October 2023.
  • The EU institutions will now hold three-way negotiations to reach an agreement on a common framework for the legislation, with the first political 'trilogue' expected on 19 October.
  • The process is expected to be finished before the upcoming European Parliament elections in June 2024.
  • Several EU member states, including Hungary and Poland, have been facing criticisms for attempting to control information and suppress media freedom.
  • Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has expressed concerns over the use of national security as a justification for surveillance of journalists, citing cases in Greece, Hungary, and France.
  • The French government has raised concerns over the issue of national security and the use of spyware against journalists, which RSF believes should be banned.
  • A public consultation on information is being launched by President Macron, which RSF views as a publicity stunt.

Statistics:

  • 80% of Hungary's media is controlled by the ruling Fidesz party.
  • 19 cases of surveillance using the Israeli Pegasus and Greek Predator spyware have been reported in Europe.
  • 72% of journalists surveyed by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) believe that press freedom is under threat in Europe.
  • 63% of Europeans believe that the media is more important now than 20 years ago.

Sources:

  • European Union's Media Freedom Act (EMFA) draft, introduced on 16 September 2022.
  • European Commission press release, 16 September 2022.
  • RFI interview with Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield, a French European Member of Parliament (MEP), 2023.
  • RFI interview with Julie Majerczak, EU representative of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), 2023.
  • RFI interview with Carine Fouteau, journalist for Mediapart, 2023.
  • Reporters Without Borders (RSF) press release, 2023.
  • Radio France Internationale (RFI) article, 2023.