Here is Liberties' initial reaction to the newly unveiled European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) proposal, released today by the European Commission.

Liberties signed a joint statement with journalists', media freedom, and human rights organisations bringing to the attention of the European Commission crucial policy elements overlooked by the European Media Freedom in its current draft.

What is the European Media Freedom Act? What is its purpose? When will it be launched? What new rules will it bring?

Czechia should use its term helming the Council to push for a properly functioning media system that protects and strengthens EU values and democracy.

Journalists and watchdogs deserve better protection against the ‘lawfare’ of powerful politicians or businesses. The new EU anti-SLAPP initiative could turn the worrying trend of weaponizing laws and courts to silence critical voices in Europe.

Baseless libel lawsuits are used by powerful actors to silence their critics. Whether or not they win the case is less important: exorbitant legal fees and psychological trauma does enough damage. But who uses this tactic, who do they target, and why?

Press release

With Russia’s propaganda machine in full swing, we are seeing first hand the devastating consequences of allowing free media to fall under government control.

Growing political pressure, high concentration of ownership, smears and abusive lawsuits against journalists, lack of oversight on public service media: we collected evidence to see why media freedom is in decline in Europe.

A free media system is indispensable to democracy. Yet in many EU countries, this fundamental pillar is crumbling under the weight of government capture and threats. Here are Liberties’ recommendations to the EU to defend free media.