As part of a bold initiative to strengthen media freedom and pluralism across the European Union, the European Commission has launched a call for proposals for a European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom. This festival in three editions, supported by a budget of 3 million euros, is poised to become a cornerstone for promoting dialogue between journalists, the media, civil society organizations and media professionals.
Closing the media freedom gap: the vision behind the festival
The festival is designed as a forum to address critical challenges facing the media sector, including legislative complexities, disinformation, journalist safety and economic sustainability. It also aims to raise awareness of the indispensable role of journalists in democracies and the obstacles they face, such as threats to press freedom within democracies. EU Member States.
One of the highlights will be discussions around the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), which comes into force in May 2024. The law represents a turning point in European media legislation, focusing on independence editorial, transparency of media ownership and protection against unjustified content. removal by major online platforms.
Call for proposals: who can apply?
The Commission has invited media organisations, NGOs, publishers, universities and research centers to submit proposals by the deadline of March 1, 2025. The successful applicant will be responsible for organizing three annual editions of the festival and creating a platform to facilitate contributions and discussions. Each edition will result in concrete policy recommendations and good practices aimed at strengthening media pluralism and freedom, in line with the Commission’s 2024-2029 political guidelines.
The wider context of the festival
This festival builds on the EU’s strong commitment to media freedom and pluralism, as enshrined in Article 11 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. It aligns with the Commission’s strategic initiatives, notably the European Democracy Action Plan and the Rule of Law Mechanism.
European law on media freedom: a game changer
The EMFA, which draws on the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive, provides a comprehensive framework to safeguard media independence. It includes:
Editorial independence: Protect journalistic sources and prohibit the use of spyware. Transparency: Ensure public disclosure of media ownership. Public Media Safeguards: Establish financial sustainability and governance protections for public broadcasters. Content moderation: Prevent arbitrary removal of content by major online platforms. Market integrity: Require impact assessments for media market consolidations.
These measures underline the EU’s determination to tackle challenges such as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), digital monopolization and economic vulnerabilities of the media sector.
Supporting journalists and media professionals
The European Commission’s attention to the media goes beyond legislative efforts. It has allocated significant direct funding to projects aimed at monitoring media freedom, defending journalists, and supporting collaborative initiatives. For example:
The Media Pluralism Monitor, developed by the Center for Media Pluralism and Freedom (CMPF), assesses risks to media pluralism across Europe. The Creative Europe Programme, with a budget of 2.5 billion euros, promotes cross-border media collaboration and innovation.
At the same time, recovery plans such as the COVID-19 state aid framework and the REACT-EU program have provided financial assistance to media outlets facing economic pressures.
Addressing Persistent Challenges
Despite this progress, the 2024 EU Rule of Law Report highlighted persistent challenges:
Limited financial stability of public service broadcasters. Insufficient transparency in media ownership. Unequal distribution of state advertising funds. Gaps in security protections for journalists.
The festival aims to tackle these concerns head on, providing a platform for diverse stakeholders to engage in dialogue and develop concrete solutions.
A crucial step for media freedom
The European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom represents a crucial step in strengthening the role of media as a cornerstone of democracy. By fostering collaboration, dialogue and awareness-raising, the EU not only addresses current challenges, but also paves the way for a resilient and pluralistic media landscape for the future.
As the March 2025 deadline approaches, the call for proposals is expected to attract a wide range of applicants eager to contribute to this vital mission. With its ambitious scope and substantial support, the festival promises to have a significant impact on media freedom and pluralism in Europe.
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