As of today, Europe’s rules around press freedom as set out in the EU Media Freedom Act, will apply throughout the EU.

Independent media are the backbone of any democracy. EU citizens deserve facts and accountability, enabling them to exercise their democratic rights. A free press is essential to upholding the Union’s most fundamental values.

The Act introduces several important safeguards, including:

• The right to challenge disproportionate state measures impacting media
• Stronger protection for journalists against spyware
• Pluralism assessments for certain media or VLOP concentrations
• Procedural safeguards against VLOP takedowns of media content
• Harmonised rules on ownership transparency
• Fairer allocation of state advertising

It is now up to the European Commission and the European Board for Media Services to stand up to abusive state and tech actors who undermine the very fabric of journalism in Europe.