More than a hundred European civil society organizations call for European Union so that ensure a “robust, strategic and long-term” investment in free and independent media in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034).
O appeal comes at a time when negotiations are taking place on the Union’s future budgetary priorities. The signatories emphasize that “Europe’s democratic resilience depends on sustained support for the information ecosystem of public interest”, without which “disinformation and political manipulation gain ground”.
Three proposed instruments
In the statement, the organizations ask the European Parliament, the Commission and the Member States to guarantee stable and substantial funding for independent journalism, considering it “essential for democracy, the economy and Europe’s resilience in the face of hybrid threats”.
Among the proposals is the AgoraEU programwhich aims to significantly strengthen support for independent journalism, fact-checking and media literacy, by at least doubling the funding currently available.
European Parliament in Strasbourg
SEBASTIEN BOZON/GETTY IMAGES
European Union
Also read
O Global Europe instrument should, according to the document, allocate part of its resources to promoting freedom of expression and strengthening local media in partner countries. Already the European Competitiveness Fund it would be designed to mobilize private investment in the media sector, fostering innovation and sustainability, but safeguarding editorial independence.
“Journalism is democratic infrastructure”
The organizations recall that information of public interest “is not a luxury”, but rather “the infrastructure through which societies access knowledge and make decisions”.
They emphasize that the future of Europe depends on informed citizens and a plural and sustainable media space. “The absence of journalism in one country weakens democracy in all others”, say the signatories. “When press freedom is dismantled, authoritarian power grows unchecked — and that power knows no borders.”
Proven economic return
The statement also cites a statement from 11 economists — including Nobel laureates Joseph Stiglitz e Daron Acemoglu — that demonstrate the economic benefits of supporting journalism.
According to the authors, investigations into Panama Papers allowed the recovery of more than 1.86 billion dollars in tax revenues globally, including 450 million euros in France. “The cost is minimal. The return is immense”, they summarize.
Busakorn Pongparnit – Getty Images
Structural and long-term support
Despite recognizing recent reforms, such as the European Media Freedom Act and the European Democracy Shieldthe organizations warn that these measures “need full political support, effective implementation and sustainable investment”.
They also argue that current financing models — based on micro-subsidies and short-term projects — are insufficient. As an alternative, they ask for support from long-term, flexible and adjusted to local contextscapable of guaranteeing pluralism and trust in the European information space, as highlighted by the OECD.
The post “Journalism is a democratic infrastructure”: more than a hundred organizations ask the European Union for robust investment in independent media appeared first on Veritas News.
