Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Commission announced on 6 Jan 2025 a call for proposals for three editions of a European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom.
According to the EU Commission, through its budget of €3 million, the festival seeks to support dialogue, cooperation and collaboration between journalists, civil society organisations, media and media experts in the European Union. The festival will fund talks on media freedom legislation, disinformation, protection of journalists and economic issues facing the field.
What is the purpose of the media freedom festival?
As reported by the press of the EU Commission, it will assist in raising awareness of the important and difficult job of journalists, as well as the threats to press freedom in the European Union. The carnival will deliver an opportunity to exchange ideas on the impacts of EU legislation on media freedom.
In order to participate in this project, the European Commission invites media organisations, nongovernmental organisations, publishers, editors, universities and research camps to present proposals. Commission said the thriving applicant would be expected to arrange three annual editions of the festival and establish and operate a platform for contributions and meetings.
Furthermore, the closing date for applications is 1 March 2025. Call for proposals.
How does the EU Commission promote press freedom in Europe?
The European Commission has made the utmost effort towards increasing media freedom and pluralism in the whole EU, culminating in the adoption by way of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). Parliament adopted the EMFA on March 13, 2024; full implementation is expected in August 2025. It looks to tackle fragmented national approaches to media regulation and harmonise regulatory practices related to media services across all member states of the EU. The act provides greater transparency over ownership and funding for media outlets, especially state funding allocations. The rationale behind the act is that it seeks to prevent political control over the media and promote free public service media.
