27 November 2024 – The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) congratulates the new EU College of Commissioners on assuming their mandates under President Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership. While welcoming the EU’s commitment to implementing the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and safeguarding media freedom and pluralism as pillars of the Rule of Law, the EBU urges to also prioritise policy approaches that protect and sustain media and boost citizens’ trust in key areas such as generative artificial intelligence and digital technology and connectivity.

“The newly confirmed College of Commissioners reflects the challenges that emerged during the previous mandate. It represents a shift in tone, and we stand ready to support and collaborate with policymakers to sustain Europe’s independent and pluralistic media sector,” said Wouter Gekiere, Head of the Brussels Office at the EBU. “Media freedom is not negotiable—it is a cornerstone of our shared values. We urge the new College of Commissioners to adopt measures that reinforce, rather than undermine, public service media’s ability to provide citizens with trusted and independent content.”

The EBU emphasises that efforts to reduce “red tape” and simplify legislation must not jeopardize the strong implementation and enforcement of existing digital regulations, such as the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act. Moreover, current or future initiatives addressing unresolved issues in the digital environment should not be side-lined.

The Democracy Shield is another promising initiative that could bolster the fight against disinformation, promote citizens’ access to trustworthy information, counter threats to media freedom, and support independent media alongside the effective implementation of the EMFA.

As new policies are developed, the EBU calls for robust mechanisms to ensure that Europe’s media landscape remains free from undue influence, whether from governments or online platforms. This is particularly urgent given the growing challenges of disinformation and societal polarisation. Public service media are uniquely positioned to serve as reliable sources of information and cultural enrichment for all Europeans. Thus, securing people’s ability to easily find or discover media that matters most – whether it’s on the home screen of a connected TV or in the car - should remain a key priority for decision-makers.

The EBU invites the new College to collaborate closely with media organisations, civil society, and stakeholders to ensure the EU continues to champion a free, independent, and vibrant media landscape.