Renew Europe urges EU to uphold media freedom by supporting Radio Free Europe

In response to the recent decision by President Donald Trump to hollow out operations of US-funded media organisations, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Renew Europe expresses profound concern over the potential erosion of media freedom and the reach of independent journalism across Europe and neighbouring regions.

RFE/RL has historically been instrumental in providing unbiased news and information, particularly in countries where press freedom is under threat. The abrupt cessation of US funding jeopardises the organisation's ability to operate effectively, leaving a void that could be exploited by authoritarian regimes seeking to suppress free speech and control narratives.

In light of these developments, we call upon the European Union to take immediate action to support RFE/RL and similar organisations. This support could involve direct funding, facilitating partnerships, or integrating these entities into existing EU frameworks dedicated to promoting media pluralism and freedom.

Ahead of the meeting of EU foreign ministers, we echo the sentiments of those who have urged the EU to respond proactively to the US funding cuts affecting RFE/RL.

MEP Irena Joveva (Gibanje Svoboda, Slovenia), member of the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee, said:
“Support for free media is the best investment against corrupt, authoritarian regimes. Democratic forces across the world depend on access to unbiased, critical information. The EU should step up and fill the gap to support RFE/RL before the shadow of authoritarianism darkens Europe as well.”