EU Regulates Media Freedom to Protect Journalistic Independence, But Concerns Over National Security Monitoring Remain

However, certain provisions have been criticized for potentially allowing the monitoring of journalists in the name of national security.

Only Poland and Hungary voted against the measure.

The regulations aim to protect the secrecy of journalistic sources and prohibit the use of spyware.

Recent espionage scandals in Hungary, Poland, and Greece have sparked concerns about government surveillance of journalists and political opponents.

The text approved on Wednesday includes exceptions for the protection of national security, which were requested by France and supported by several other countries.

The regulations have been criticized by several organizations, including the European Federation of Journalists, for potentially putting journalists at risk and creating a "chilling effect" on sources.

The European Commission has welcomed the progress of the text, and it will now be negotiated with the European Parliament.