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An independent media is a pillar of democracy and an important part of the economy, helping to shape public opinion and hold those in power to account. In recent years, however, there have been increasingly worrying trends across the European Union (EU), as documented in the annual rule of law reports by the European Commission, and by other tools such as the Media Pluralism Monitor. Tabled on 16 September 2022, the proposed European media freedom act (EMFA) would introduce a new set of rules to ...

In September 2022, the European Commission proposed a regulation establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market (the 'European Media Freedom Act'). During the October I plenary session, Parliament is scheduled to vote on the report from its Committee on Culture and Education (CULT). The report as voted would then form Parliament's position for interinstitutional negotiations with the Council, which agreed its position in June 2023.

This study analyses the European Media Freedom Act proposal. It provides a political and historical overview of EU policies in the field of media and on information society at large, also taking into account the debate regarding EU competences on media pluralism and media freedom. The study reasons on the legal basis of the proposed Act, and then analyses the provisions of it under each of the Chapters of the Act, basing on relevant academic literature, policy documents, and empirical data. It concludes ...

The following policy recommendations supplement the background analysis that was prepared for the European Parliament’s Committee on Culture and Education (CULT committee) on the “European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) – Background Analysis” . The Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market (European Media Freedom Act) and amending Directive 2010/13/EU (‘EMFA’) was published on 16 September 2022 and ...

This background analysis focusses on relevant issues to be taken into account in the discussions on the Proposal for a European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), especially from a media law perspective. Dealing with questions on the appropriate legal basis and coherence with the existing regulatory framework, as well as selected substantive issues and the proposed institutional structures, the analysis highlights possible shortcomings regarding practical impact and enforcement that should be addressed.

The impact assessment (IA) defines in sufficient detail the problem, its drivers and the need to protect media pluralism and independence in the EU. While it duly explains that the problems identified affect the 'entire information ecosystem', their geographical scale is not very clear. The IA examines three options, with different packages of measures with a gradually increasing level of approximation of certain aspects of national frameworks relating to media pluralism and independence. Costs and ...

As civil society and media organisations expose EU Member States for using the Pegasus commercial spyware, one of the most high-profile spying scandals of recent years is coming to light in Europe. Member States' intelligence agencies have been accused of abusing highly sophisticated spyware to surveil opposition figures, journalists, lawyers, and high-ranking state officials. 'Having regard to the European Union's attachment to the values and principles of liberty, democracy and respect for human ...

Discrimination based on racial and ethnic origin is still widespread in the EU. Action to combat racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and related intolerance rests on an established legal framework dating back more than two decades. This includes the Racial Equality Directive and the Council Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia.

The media situation in Belarus has never been easy. With Aliaksandr Lukashenka being elected president of the country for the first time in 1994, the necessary reforms to provide media freedom have never materialised. Instead, over the years various laws have lessened the rights of independent journalists and imposed limits on both traditional and electronic media. Following the August 2020 presidential election, which ignited a brutal crackdown against the democratic opposition, the situation has ...

Whereas social media provide individuals with new opportunities to access information, express opinions, and participate in democratic processes, they can also undermine democracy by distorting information, promoting false stories and facilitating political manipulation. This EPRS paper provides an overview of the key risks social media pose to democracy related to surveillance, personalisation, disinformation, moderation and microtargeting. It also discusses key approaches to tackling social media ...