Free media

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The EU protects what matters, including your right to receive independent, reliable information.

In some parts of the world, journalists are silenced, media is restricted and people only hear one version of events.

In the EU, the press is free to ask tough questions, hold those in power accountable and provide reliable information sources. Democracy allows media pluralism and free press to flourish, so you can understand what is happening and make up your own mind.

What does it mean for you?

You can access diverse, independent media
You can read, watch and listen to a wide range of media in the EU - public and private, national and local, online and offline. You can compare different views and sources, safe in the knowledge that they are not censored or controlled by the state.
Journalists can investigate and report safely
In the EU, journalists have the right to investigate corruption, abuse of power and wrongdoing. They can protect their sources and publish their findings without facing interference or intimidation from public authorities. When journalists are protected, so is our democracy.
You form your own opinions
A free press means different perspectives are available, so you can weigh them up for yourself. Instead of being told what to think, you can draw your own conclusions and decide where you stand.

How are these freedoms protected?

These are not abstract ideas. These are real freedoms that the EU works to protect every day. The Charter of Fundamental Rights guarantees freedom of expression and information, including the freedom and pluralism of the media, for everyone in the EU. And these guarantees are backed with strong laws.

EU legislation such as the European Media Freedom Act helps keep journalists and their sources safe, strengthens editorial independence and protects media organisations from undue interference or legal intimidation. For example, if a journalist uncovers corruption or abuse of power, anti-SLAPP rules help to protect them from being silenced through abusive lawsuits designed to drain their time and resources.

The EU takes an active role in supporting free and independent media. Through its funding programmes, it helps sustain projects that promote a strong and pluralistic media landscape.

For example, through the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe programme, the EU funds independent, investigative, and local journalism across Europe, so that the press can continue to inform you, shine a light on power, and keep democracy strong.

What do Europeans think?

69% of Europeans consider that their national media provide trustworthy information

73% of Europeans consider that their national media provide a diversity of view and opinions

56% of Europeans are satisfied with the state of media freedom, independence and pluralism in the EU

^Sources:^{Eurobarometer, December 2025}^and^{Special Eurobarometer, November 2025}

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Science stays free

In the EU, you can explore ideas openly and independently

Your voice matters

In the EU, you can speak freely, without fear of censorship, arrest, or punishment