Media independence safeguarded in EU law
The European Parliament approved a new EU regulation for the protection of journalists and media from political and economic interventions, with 464 votes in favor, 92 against, and 65 abstentions. This regulation mandates member states to ensure media independence and prohibits any forms of intervention in editorial decisions. It includes measures against pressuring journalists to disclose sources, establishes rules for the use of surveillance software by authorities, sets criteria for the editorial independence and funding of public media, requires transparency regarding media ownership, ensures fair distribution of state advertising, and protects media freedom from arbitrary actions by major online platforms.