Debate on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty with Kaja Kallas
MEPs will discuss how to safeguard access to democratic media on Tuesday, in the wake of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty losing its US funding.
In response to the US Agency for Global Media’s decision to halt its grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 10 EU countries issued a joint statement on 18 March 2025 backing a Czech initiative to save the media organisation from closure. Stressing the vital role played by the broadcaster in providing independent, unbiased, and fact-based information to citizens in regions where freedom of the press is under threat, these countries called on the EU to join forces for sustainable financial support of the outlet. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed the initiative.
Founded during the cold war, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty broadcasts to 23 countries, including Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Iran and Afghanistan.
Debate: Tuesday, 1 April
Procedure: Statement by the EU foreign policy chief, no resolution