Source: European Parliament
The EU has taken several measures to safeguard media independence and prevent undue influence from third countries. The provisions of European Media Freedom Act[1], generally applicable from 8 August 2025, establish transparency requirements for media ownership and state advertising revenues, including those received from third-country public authorities or entities.
They also mandate that public funds for state advertising in media or supply or service contracts with media be allocated through transparent, proportionate, and non-discriminatory criteria.
The Commission also co-finances the Media Pluralism Monitor and a media ownership monitoring project. However, these measures do not include monitoring of external donations or measures to prevent external donations.
The Commission does not have an overview of the media outlets that have received funds from USAID.
- [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R1083