Answer given by Mr Breton on behalf of the European Commission

7.7.2020

Euronews is a French private independent company established in France and governed by French law. Media Globe Networks (MGN) led by Mr Sawiris has held a majority shareholding in Euronews since 2015 but a robust governance mechanism has been set in place to guarantee the editorial independence of the company.

The relations with Euronews are governed by a 4-year partnership agreement signed in February 2017, under which Euronews commits to the production of EU news and programmes and the provision of news content in European and international languages.

The agreement concluded with the Commission establishes obligations, among others, in terms of editorial independence and workflows, respect to pluralism and high journalistic standards. In this context, the Commission is monitoring closely these commitments and any changes in the governance of the company.

The current Framework Partnership Agreement will expire in February 2021. The C ommission has not taken any decision about the future of the partnership with Euronews yet.

The Commission will not comment on personal statements bearing no relation with the contracts signed with Euronews.