The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) today publishes its position on the draft proposal for the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), which was adopted by its Steering Committee in Brussels on 13 January.
While we welcome the European Commission’s initiative to strengthen the free and pluralistic media system, and the commitment to protect journalists and editorial independence within the European Union, we stress the importance of a more robust protection of both media freedom and editorial independence.
In its position, the EFJ proposes urgent amendments which are crucial to be included by the co-legislators, the European Parliament and the European Council, as only a strengthened Media Freedom Act can fulfil its proclaimed promises.
The most important points are:
“Today, the sustainability of free media is threatened in many EU countries, and the European Media Freedom Act proposal is a significant step in strengthening media independence and pluralism. We are advocating for numerous changes to be made. By accepting remarks and proposals from journalists’ organisations, a strengthened EMFA can contribute to the defence of journalism as a public good,” says Maja Sever.
Only a revised text taking into account aforementioned points can efficiently contribute to the defence of journalism. |