Europe strengthens media freedom, independence and pluralism with new European Media Freedom Act
Today, the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) enters into application across the European Union. The EMFA brings many benefits for media companies, journalists, and citizens, offering media service providers greater legal certainty and enhancing their independence.
The EMFA is designed to strengthen media freedom, independence and pluralism within the EUs internal market. It provides, among others, stronger protection for journalists, ensures adequate funding and editorial freedom for public service media, prevents unwarranted removal of media content by very large online platforms and establishes the European Board for Media Services.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: “EMFAs entry into application marks a milestone in our efforts to foster a stronger and safer media environment in the EU. Media providers can enjoy more legal certainty, journalists will have greater protection, including from spyware and divulging their sources, and citizens will be able to enjoy a more pluralistic, independent media across the EU.”
Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, said: “Independent media are the backbone of any democracies. With the European Media Freedom Act entering into application, media and journalists across the EU gain unprecedented safeguards, and citizens can trust that the news they receive is driven by facts, not by business or political agenda.”
Most provisions of EMFA now apply with some remaining ones, which pertain to users rights to customise media offerings on devices and interfaces and control access to media services, entering into application on 8 May 2027.
(Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 460 75 53 11; Yuliya Matsyk - Tel.: +32 2 226 27 16)
Commission disburses nearly €43 billion to five Member States
Today, the European Commission disbursed €42.8 billion to five EU Member States - Italy, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta, and Spain - under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the centrepiece of NextGeneration EU. Spain received €23.1 billion, which will support measures to boost renewable energy, cut red tape, and improve justice efficiency. The funds will also invest in short-distance rail travel and strengthen cybersecurity resilience. Italy received €18.3 billion, which will finance projects to increase competition and transparency, improve railway accessibility for passengers with disabilities, and enhance renewable energy distribution capacity. Portugal received €1.34 billion, which will support reforms and investments in healthcare, housing, and forest fire management. Cyprus received €76 million, which will expand online government services, introduce a transparent beneficial ownership registry, and digitalise healthcare services. Malta received €48.7 million, which will increase access to free public transport, promote sustainable mobility, and upgrade education infrastructure.
You can find more information online in our press release.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: + 32 229-96302; Anna Wartberger – Tel: +32 2 28 20 54)
Commission clears acquisition of DCC Healthcare by Investindustrial
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of DCC Healthcare of the UK and Ireland by Investindustrial S.A. of Luxembourg.
The transaction relates primarily to the contract development and manufacturing of nutritional supplements and beauty products as well as supply of medical devices and other healthcare products.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies limited market positions resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12020.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98)
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