To mark the entry into application of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the Vice-President of the European Parliament Sabine Verheyen (EPP, DE) and the chair of the Committee on Culture and Education Nela Riehl (Greens, DE) issued the following statements:

“8 August 2025 marks the entry into application of the EMFA — a landmark for press freedom in the EU. But its true value will be measured in action, not words. Now begins the real work: ensuring every member state implements the EMFA fully and faithfully. Media freedom is not negotiable – it is the backbone of our democracy,” said Sabine Veheyen, who chairs Parliament’s working group scrutinising the law’s implementation.

“With the Media Freedom Act, Europe has set the benchmark for the protection of press freedom and journalistic work. This is a great achievement. But it is only meaningful if we adhere to it. I am looking with concern at the decline in press freedom in different parts of Europe and call on all…