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As the media sector, journalists and civil society organisations are only taking stock of the disastrous consequences on press freedom, this unprecedented crisis has also show the strong need for independent and reliable information. In this context, the financial support of the EU is key to complement efforts undertaken at the national level.
On 27 May 2020, the European Commission has presented a new proposal of European Union (EU) budget, covering the years 2021 to 2027. This updated proposal, initially put forward in 2018, includes new economic recovery instruments, aiming to mingle the consequences of the COVID-19 consequences in the EU Member States.
In June 2020, EU member states will negotiate their final agreement on the EU budget 2021-2027. In this context, Free Press Unlimited and 14 other press freedom organisations, calls on the EU Member States to ensure strong support for the recovery of the media sector and independent journalism.
In particular, the EU Member States should:
- Prioritise the media sector in their recovery plans, in particular those supported by EU financial support;
- Ensure the future allocation of EU funds is conditioned to the respect of the rule of law, including press freedom;
- Increase the proposed budget for the 2021-2027 Creative Europe, Justice, and Rights & Values programmes;
- Channel financial support to EU external action on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Download the full statement here.
The signatories:
ARTICLE 19, Association of European Journalists (AEJ), DW Akademie, European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), Fondation Hirondelle, Free Press Unlimited, Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD), International Media Support (IMS), International Press Institute (IPI), Internews, Media Diversity Institute (MDI), Oxygen for Information (Ossigeno.info), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers. (WAN-IFRA).
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