What is the EMFA?
The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) introduces a new set of rules to safeguard media pluralism and independence in the EU. The Regulation is the EU´s response to the increasing political interference, legal pressures and economic influences faced by media outlets and journalists.
The Regulation has been in force since 7 May 2024. Its provisions (with the exception of measures related to users’ right to customise their media offering), will become fully applicable as of 8 August 2025.
The EMFA applies to all types of media, including the press and audio podcasts, and, in certain cases, to online platforms. Although EMFA is a directly applicable Regulation, some of its provisions are expected to require complementary measures at national level. Member States may adopt detailed or stricter rules in the areas covered by the Regulation.
What are the objectives of EMFA?
The objectives of the European Media Freedom Act are:
safeguarding editorial independence,
protecting journalistic sources, including against the use of spyware,
ensuring the independent functioning of public service media,
increasing transparency of media ownership,
protecting media against unjustified removal of online content by very large online platforms,
introducing the right to customise media offers on devices and user interfaces,
ensuring transparency of state advertising for media service providers and online platforms,
requiring Member States to assess the impact of significant market concentrations on media pluralism and editorial independence,
increasing transparency of audience measurement for media service providers and advertisers.
Answers to frequently asked questions regarding the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and the functioning of the European Board for Media Servies are published on its website.