Minister Veldkamp: 'Radio Free Europe plays an important role in independent journalism from Eastern Europe to Asia. It counters Russian propaganda and disinformation and promotes press freedom. With this donation, the Netherlands aims to promote media freedom and democratic values in countries where RFE/RL operates.'

Since March of this year, RFE/RL has been facing financial difficulties after the U.S. government abruptly halted funding from the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), the U.S. government agency that funds RFE/RL.

The Netherlands signed a statement initiated by the Czech Republic in the same month that underscores the importance of RFE/RL and calls for seeking a sustainable financial solution. The Czech Republic has been the host country for the media organization since 1995 and advocates for its survival.