Freedom of the press: pillar of European democracy

The European regulation on media freedom (EMFA) was adopted under the Belgian presidency. This regulation aims to ensure the freedom, diversity and editorial independence of the media. This includes protection from political interference and the right to free information for all EU citizens. This regulation built on an earlier political agreement by the Spanish presidency.  

Even within the Belgian presidency programme for the various council formations, attention wasis given to the importance of reliable information for the functioning of a healthy democracy: 

Under the Belgian presidency, steps are were being taken to further ensure and realise the following points, based on a proposal from the European Commission: 

• Greater media freedom 

• Combating disinformation 

• Free and fair elections 

The first action plan took effect in 2020. In late 2023, the European Commission came up with practical steps to respond to new developments. The European regulation on media freedom was adopted as part of this action plan under the Belgian presidency. Further press freedom issues include: 

• Protecting journalists from abusive legal proceedings 

• Establishing national support services for the safety of journalists 

• Further countering disinformation, including on online platforms 

Under the presidency, Belgium's plans for defending democracy were presented to the Council on 29 January. These include protecting freedom of speech and countering foreign interference (e.g. disinformation or fake news). Media freedom is one of the three pillars of this package. 

Furthermore, on March 11, the Council approved the Regulation on Information Manipulation and Foreign Interference in Elections. 

The Belgian presidency organised the Media Freedom Panel to mark World Press Freedom Day on 3 May. In attendance were media expert Katrien Thienpont, Ukrainian journalist Olena Abramovych and the well-known Belgian cartoonist Philippe Geluck. One of his cartoons (Le Martyre du Chat) was transformed into a statue in memory of the victims of the attack on Charlie Hebdo. Together they discussed media freedom in Europe and how we can continue to protect it.  

The Action Plan for European Democracy and the Package for the Defence of Democracy are linked to Belgian programme items. The Belgian presidency is was therefore actively involved in these initiatives.