EU Media Freedom Act Passes, Protecting Journalists and Press Freedom
Journalists and media outlets across the European Union will enjoy greater protection, as the EU Media Freedom Act has been passed into law.
The Act establishes a common framework for media services in the EU's internal market and introduces measures aimed at ensuring media pluralism and independence.
The new legislation will provide a much-needed shield for journalists and media outlets, who have increasingly come under attack in recent years. In particular, the Act will:
- Establish a European Media Freedom Center to provide support and resources to journalists and media outlets under attack.
- Create a rapid response mechanism to respond to threats to media freedom and pluralism.
- Strengthen the independence of regulatory authorities and ensure that they are free from political interference.
- Prohibit the use of surveillance technologies to target journalists and media outlets.
- Promote media literacy and help citizens to identify disinformation.
The EU Media Freedom Act is a significant step forward in protecting the freedom of the press and ensuring that citizens have access to independent and reliable information. The Act will help to ensure that journalists can continue to report on important issues without fear of reprisal.
The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union reached an agreement on the text of the Media Freedom Act on June 16, 2023. The Act was then formally adopted by the European Parliament on July 5, 2023, and by the Council on July 12, 2023. The Act will enter into force on January 1, 2024.
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