The European Media Freedom Act Comes into Force
Brussels – The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), a key law for the protection of journalistic independence in the EU, comes into force on Friday, August 8. The aim of the law is to protect the independence and pluralism of the media from both political interference and the influence of large private groups.
The focus is on issues such as ownership concentration in the media sector, pressure on editorial offices through advertising contracts, as well as political control over public services.
The impetus for additional pressure on the adoption of the law was the “Pegasus” affair, when it was revealed that some countries, such as Hungary or Greece, had used Israeli spyware to surveil journalists. This software allows you to secretly take control of mobile phones, access messages, calls, location, and other private data.
The key provisions of the EMFA require member states to guarantee the protection of journalistic sources and confidential communications, as well as that no state institution, including regulatory bodies, can interfere in the editorial policy of the media.
A special article is dedicated to public services, which must have editorial and functional independence.
“The regulation is designed to counter attacks on press freedom in countries where the media are under constant pressure. However, all EU members must consider how well they meet its standards,” said the Director General of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Thibault Bru, as reported by Brussels Times.
Although the law was formally adopted in March 2024, RSF emphasizes that many EU members have delayed its implementation due to a lack of political will.
Therefore, they called on all member states to immediately align their national laws with the new regulation and to enable its effective implementation.
RSF urges the European Commission, in case of obstruction, to immediately initiate proceedings against countries that ignore the new regulation.
As they state, a swift and decisive response from European and national institutions is necessary for the principles protected by the law – such as freedom, independence, and pluralism of the media – to be truly implemented in practice. (August 7, 2025)
