As of 8 August 2025, the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) applies in full across all EU Member States. This marks an important step in the Union’s effort to safeguard media pluralism and independence. EU legislators adopted the regulation to strengthen safeguards for the media sector. It now binds all Member States and requires them to take concrete action in how media operate and are protected.
The EMFA establishes a set of obligations designed to protect editorial freedom from political interference and unlawful surveillance. It prohibits authorities or other actors from influencing editorial decisions or monitoring journalists’ work. Strong measures reinforce the protection of journalistic sources, including explicit bans on the use of spyware to uncover confidential information.
Public media now fall under stricter rules aimed at ensuring their independence. Member States must provide predictable and stable funding while safeguarding editorial autonomy from political pressure. The law also introduces far-reaching transparency obligations, requiring clear disclosure of media ownership structures and detailed reporting on state advertising spending.
In the digital sphere, the EMFA restricts large online platforms from arbitrarily removing content produced by independent media. It also grants users the right to customise media services on their devices and interfaces. The newly created European Board for Media Services will oversee the law’s implementation. It will coordinate enforcement across the Union.
The EMFA was adopted in response to growing concerns over media concentration, political influence, and threats to the safety of journalists in several EU countries. EU institutions have highlighted the need for harmonised rules to address these challenges and maintain the functioning of the internal market for media services. The regulation initially entered into force in May 2024 with an application deadline of 8 August 2025.
The majority of EMFA provisions are now in effect, while the remaining rules—covering users’ ability to personalise media offerings on devices and interfaces and manage access to media services—will take effect on 8 May 2027.
Click the link to access a PDF version of the EMFA.
