New rules to keep journalists, their sources, and press freedom safe in the digital world started in all EU countries on 8 August 2025.
To mark the entry into application of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the Vice-President of the European Parliament Sabine Verheyen (EPP, DE) and the chair of the Committee on Culture and Education Nela Riehl (Greens, DE) issued the following statements:
On 8 August 2025, the EMFA law started working in the EU. This is a big step for press freedom. But what really matters is how well every country follows the law. Media freedom is very important — it is the foundation of democracy, said Sabine Veheyen, the head of the group checking the law’s progress.
Nela Riehl, leader of the Culture and Education Committee, said the Media Freedom Act is a strong rule to protect journalists and press freedom in Europe. This is a big success. But it only works if all countries follow the rules carefully. She is worried about press freedom going down in some parts of Europe and asks all countries to follow the law properly.
In February 2024, the EU made new laws to protect media freedom and journalists’ independence. These laws started to be applied slowly from May 2024 in EU countries. The main parts will start working fully on August 8, 2025.
The law makes media ownership more clear, controls government ads better, supports public media to be free from influence, and protects journalists and their sources strongly. Digital platforms must not delete or limit independent media content without good reason, so many different opinions can be heard.
-Peace News Desk