The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) attended the kick-off meeting organised by Civitates on the Multiannual-Financial Framework (MFF), along with the Centre for Sustainable Media (CSM), Civil Society Europe (CSE), Culture Action Europe (CAE), Europe Civic Forum (ECF), and Irish Council of Civil Liberties.
The meeting marked the starting point of a year-long project called “Future of Europe” to support the journalism, culture, and civic space strands within the upcoming negotiations on the EU’s long-term budget. The proposed EU budget for 2028 – 2034 introduces a new programme “AgoraEU” which will include a Culture, Media (divided into Audiovisual and News), and Civil Society strands.
The Future of Europe partners have members and networks that represent these three strands. They will work together to ensure that all sectors are well-serviced by the MFF and that there are synergies between the strands.
“Media is part of the critical structure of democracy,” said EFJ Renate Schroeder. “In times of shrinking civic space and democratic backsliding, the EU has an opportunity to be the guarantor of our shared freedoms, rights, and values. Funding must create an enabling environment for journalism, civil society, and culture to be active and resourced.”
To achieve these goals, the EFJ and its members will engage with the European Union institutions, encourage EFJ members to engage EU capitals, and proactively work with civil society partners.
This Project has been supported by Civitates, a collaborative initiative of the Network of European Foundations (NEF). The project will end on 31 December 2026.
This Project has been supported by Civitates, a collaborative initiative of the Network of European Foundations (NEF)
Source: EFJ
