The European Commission acknowledges the significant challenges faced by independent media and journalists operating under difficult circumstances. They 'are vital champions of democracy and freedom, providing unbiased information that strengthens the democratic fabric not only in their countries but across the continent', the Commission wrote in reply to the joint appeal by German expertise site dékoder, Platform RAAM and a dozen co-signatories from Belarus, Germany, the Netherlands and Russia who are concerned about the future of independent journalism in and about Ukraine, Belarus and Russia and asked the the main governing bodies of the EU to support the threatened media. 

Vice-President of the European Commission Henna Virkkunen. Photo: European Parliament

The letter from the European Commission:

Dear Messrs Smeets and Petz,

Many thanks for your email to Executive Vice-President Virkkunen with an appeal to strengthen support to independent journalists in Eastern Europe.

It is indeed an issue of pressing importance and resonates with the European Union's commitment to media freedom and pluralism. We acknowledge the significant challenges faced by independent media and journalists operating under difficult circumstances, many of them in exile. These individuals and organisations are vital champions of democracy and freedom, providing unbiased information that strengthens the democratic fabric not only in their countries but across the continent. 

Bolster media freedom and security in exile

The European Commission supports several initiatives that bolster media freedom and security for media in exile. This includes the Media Hub EAST, which actively supports the survival and operation of independent Russian and Belarusian media and journalists exiled in the EU. With an allocation of over EUR 2.2 million in grants, this initiative includes psychological support and investment in technological solutions, strengthening cooperation between local hubs mainly in Czechia, Germany, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Additionally, the Svoboda satellite package is another strategic initiative. The European Commission has supported this project with a EUR 2.6 million grant. It broadcasts 12 independent television channels in Russian, targeting Russian citizens and Russophones worldwide, and thereby expanding the sphere of reliable media.

Finally, through its Foreign Policy Instrument, the European Commission supports several initiatives worldwide. This includes the Safety Net (EUR 5.5 million) which was set up recently to sustain critical independent reporting outside Europe in the short term, in response also to the struggles of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).

Editorial independence

In the EU, grants for the European news media sector cover three main categories of projects: 'media freedom and pluralism', 'collaboration and innovation', and 'citizen engagement and public sphere'. Whenever editorial production is part of the grant, the Commission includes an independence clause in the grants signed so that beneficiaries operate with full editorial independence.

The Commission is currently preparing plans for the next multiannual budget (2028- 2034) to be discussed with the co-legislators as of this summer. We take good note of your suggestions, as well as many other suggestions received. The budget negotiations will be challenging. If you wish, you can also make the case for support to journalism with Members of the European Parliament.

I hope you will find this information useful.

Yours faithfully,

Anna Herold
Head of Unit

Note

More information on the grants mentioned in the letter is available here. 
The original letter of the European Commission is available here.
The joint appeal of dekoder and RAAM to the European Union is available here.