EU helps Radio Free Europe with 5.5 million euros for independent journalism!

EU helps Radio Free Europe with 5.5 million euros for independent journalism!

The EU announced on Tuesday in Brussels important financial support of 5.5 million euros for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). This decision was announced by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and is intended to provide short-term emergency funding and a safety net for independent journalism. The announcement could be interpreted as a response to the US Agency for Global Media's decision to stop funding the broadcaster, which was recently criticized by ten EU countries in a joint statement.

Radio Free Europe was founded during the Cold War to counter Soviet propaganda. The channel has been headquartered in Prague since 1995 and is now active in 23 countries, including authoritarian states such as Russia, China and Iran. RFE/RL reaches approximately 50 million people in 27 languages ​​each month. Your reporting is particularly valuable in regions where press freedom is severely restricted. This role was highlighted in the joint statement by EU countries accompanying Kallas' support.

Background of support

The financial support comes at a critical time for RFE/RL, as $77 million in U.S. funding was frozen for the broadcaster following President Donald Trump's inauguration. Trump signed a decree in March 2017 that USAGM, the authority responsible for foreign broadcasters, classified as unnecessary and thus ordered cuts. This led to RFE/RL challenging the cuts in a US court.

The independence of the broadcaster and other media funded by the US government is under pressure. Trump's supporters express dissatisfaction with the independence of these media outlets and have in the past called for them to be more supportive of the government's political interests. However, RFE/RL itself has internal editorial arrangements designed to ensure its independence despite state funding.

Political support in the EU

EU support for RFE/RL is also strengthened by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who supports the Czech initiative to save the media organization, as well as other EU leaders. Given its importance in the information landscape, the EU countries called on the Union to commit to sustainable financial support for the broadcaster. This highlights RFE/RL's role as a key source for independent, unbiased and fact-based reporting in an increasingly authoritarian global environment.

Another debate on this topic is planned for April 1, 2025, with the presentation by EU Foreign Affairs Representative Kaja Kallas. These developments underscore the urgency of preserving and supporting independent media in challenging political contexts.

For more information about the financial support measures, read more at Southeastern Switzerland and about the political discussion on the website European Parliament.