New regulations designed to enhance the protection of journalists, their sources, and press freedom in the digital era became effective in all EU member states on 8 August.
In February 2024, the European Parliament and Council approved these new provisions to promote media freedom and safeguard the independence of journalists throughout the EU. The implementation of this regulation commenced gradually in EU countries in May 2024, with its key provisions set to be enforced from 8 August 2025.
“8 August 2025 marks the entry into application of the EMFA — a landmark for press freedom in the EU. But its true value will be measured in action, not words. Now begins the real work: ensuring every member state implements the EMFA fully and faithfully. Media freedom is not negotiable – it is the backbone of our democracy,” said the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Sabine Verheyen (EPP, DE), who chairs Parliament’s working group scrutinising the law’s implementation.
“With the Media Freedom Act, Europe has set the benchmark for the protection of press freedom and journalistic work. This is a great achievement. But it is only meaningful if we adhere to it. I am looking with concern at the decline in press freedom in different parts of Europe and call on all member states to implement it dutifully,” added the chair of the Committee on Culture and Education, Nela Riehl (Greens, DE).
These EU regulations aim to improve the transparency surrounding media ownership and the allocation of state advertising, while also reinforcing the independence of public media. Furthermore, they provide strong protection for journalists and their sources. To foster visibility and pluralism, digital platforms will be required to avoid arbitrary deletions or restrictions of independent media content.
