The Media Freedom Act (European Media Freedom Act, EMFA) entered into application on August 8, 2025, across all 27 EU member countries, aiming to protect journalists, their sources, and press freedom in the digital age. It applies uniformly to all EU countries with key provisions now enforced, including transparency of media ownership, protection against state interference, and safeguarding journalists from surveillance.
“8 August 2025 marks the entry into application of the EMFA—a landmark for press freedom in the EU. But its true value will be measured in action, not words. Now begins the real work: ensuring every member state implements the EMFA fully and faithfully. Media freedom is not negotiable – it is the backbone of our democracy,” said Sabine Verheyen, who chairs Parliament’s working group scrutinising the law’s implementation in a written statement.
Publisher associations such as News Media Europe welcome the Act, especially the clear written prohibition of government interference in editorial decisions, state advertising transparency, and journalist protections against surveillance (Article 4). They emphasise the importance of economic viability and editorial independence to ensure sustainable press freedom. However, some concerns remain around potential overreach by the European Media Board and ensuring a proper balance in media concentration regulations.
Journalism Associations such as the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and the International Press Institute (IPI), collaborating through Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), also welcome the EMFA as a milestone. They stress the urgent need for all member states to fully implement the Act’s standards and call on the European Commission to monitor and enforce its provisions firmly, especially in countries where media freedom is already under threat
“With the Media Freedom Act, Europe has set the benchmark for the protection of press freedom and journalistic work. This is a great achievement. But it is only meaningful if we adhere to it. I am looking with concern at the decline in press freedom in different parts of Europe and call on all member states to implement it dutifully,” said the chair of the Committee on Culture and Education, Nela Riehl.
The need for political commitment
Media freedom watchdogs like MFRR and IPI highlight concerns over insufficient political commitment and delays in national implementation. "While some limited steps have been taken by national governments, overall progress is seriously lacking and many Member States have either yet to begin or are lagging behind in their obligation to align domestic legislation with the rules outlined by the EMFA, despite having had more than one year to do so," say the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners in a statement.
They pledge to monitor progress closely, advocate for reforms where needed, and support journalists in contesting non-compliance via national and European courts. They underline that the Act can only be effective if actively enforced and politically supported to counter media capture and safeguard independent journalism
Image source: European Council of the European Union
