European Union Approves Law To Protect Journalists From Political Interference

The EU Parliament has approved a landmark media freedom law aimed at shielding journalists from political meddling and surveillance.

This new legislation, which mandates safeguarding source confidentiality and outlaws spyware targeting of journalists, passed with significant support in a recent vote.

Editorial independence and media ownership transparency are key components of the law, which needs adoption by all EU member states to become effective.

EU commissioner Vera Jourova applauded the vote as pivotal for democracy and press independence, emphasizing the obligation of democratic states to protect media. The move was also commended by Reporters Without Borders. Julie Majerczak from RSF urged strong implementation by member nations.

Prompted by growing concerns about media independence in countries like Hungary and Poland, and the malicious use of spyware, the European Media Freedom Act proposed by the European Commission in 2022 addresses issues such as government interference and the lack of transparency around media ownership.

The act also responds to threats faced by journalists, including the 2017 murder of Maltese reporter Daphne Caruana Galizia which had political repercussions in Malta.

The law, while accommodating certain exceptions not tied to national security, strictly regulates the use of spyware and ensures proper funding for public media.

It proposes creating an EU panel to oversee media ownership concentration and to maintain diversity, though its recommendations would be nonbinding.