European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Vice-President Sabine Verheyen and Culture and Education Committee Chair Nela Riehl stress the vital role of independent journalism.

President Roberta Metsola said: “A free press is the best shield for democracy. Journalists must be free to report without fear of censorship, intimidation, or retaliation. The European Parliament will always defend and stand up for media and press freedom – not only on World Press Freedom Day, but every day.”

Sabine Verheyen (EPP, DE), Vice-President of the European Parliament and chair of the Working Group on the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) said:

“On World Press Freedom Day, we reaffirm our commitment to one of the fundamental pillars of democracy: media freedom. Free, independent, and diverse journalism is essential to any democratic society. However, it remains under threat – even within some EU member states – and without it, democracy cannot function. The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), passed in April 2024, is vital in addressing these challenges. It sends a strong message about the need to protect media diversity and journalistic independence across Europe. Media is more than just an industry – it shapes political discourse, drives cultural development, fosters social inclusion, and safeguards fundamental rights.

“The EMFA represents a historic milestone for the EU: for the first time, a comprehensive European law is in place to uphold press freedom and media pluralism. We have made significant legislative progress in shielding journalists from political interference and economic pressure. But these protections now need to be actively enforced.

“The EMFA is already taking effect. The first provisions have officially entered into force, with the next set to follow this month. By August 2025, the most significant parts of the law will come into effect, marking a major step in strengthening media freedom across the EU. However, the real impact of the EMFA depends on its implementation. That is why we are already monitoring the process closely to ensure that member states do not delay its enforcement. Press freedom cannot wait – we must act upon these commitments.

“On this World Press Freedom Day, we have to remember the importance of standing firm in defending media freedom. Troubling global trends remind us that indifference is not an option. Even in Europe, we must remain vigilant in upholding our democratic values. Press freedom is the backbone of democracy – defending it means protecting our freedoms and the values we hold dear.”

Nela Riehl (Greens, DE), Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education, said: “An independent press sector is an essential pillar of our democracy. We need a free press to hold our decision makers accountable, advance social change, and keep citizens informed. I am concerned about the drastic increase in young people’s exposure to news from unverified sources on social media. Quality journalism is competing with algorithms on social media platforms for our attention. To minimise the spread of harmful disinformation, the EU is now starting to regulate digital platforms, but we also need to improve media literacy, make sure people have access to accurate information, and provide education on media consumption.

“This should be a high priority for civic education, with clear targets as we work towards improved democratic resilience across Europe. As a committee, we are pushing these challenges up the European education agenda, and we welcome the first steps in this direction under the Commission’s “Union of Skills” initiative.

“My recent visit to Ukraine reminded me of the power of citizens to counter threats to democracy. When the manipulation of information is weaponised, strengthening and protecting people – namely independent journalists, reporters, media professionals, and volunteers – is a matter of security as well. Accordingly, this World Press Freedom Day, we also emphasise the need to make work environments safe for the independent press, with liveable working conditions, a supportive European infrastructure, and protection from persecution.”

The chairs of the Civil Liberties Committee, the Human Rights Subcommittee and the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield are also issuing a statement to mark the World Press Freedom Day. You can read it here (available soon).

How Parliament strengthens media freedom

In early 2024, Parliament and Council adopted new rules to protect freedom of media and the independence of journalists in the EU. The provisions of the Media Freedom Act (EMFA) will become fully applicable in EU member states as of 8 August 2025.

These provisions should ensure transparency of media outlet ownership and of allocation of state advertising, strengthen public media independence, and secure robust protection for journalists and their sources. To ensure visibility and pluralism, digital platforms will be prevented from arbitrarily deleting or restricting independent media content.

A directive to protect journalists and civil society activists against strategic lawsuits seeking to silence critical voices must be transposed into national law in all EU member states by 7 May 2026.

Every year, the European Parliament rewards outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core principles and values of the European Union, such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and human rights. The fifth edition of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be launched later this month.

On 30 April 2025 , the Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) hosted a virtual info session on the newly launched call *DIGITAL-2025-EDIH-AC-08: European Digital Innovation Hubs – Associated Countries (EDIHs with reinforced AI focus) , * under the Digital Europe Programme .

The event provided stakeholders from academia, industry, public institutions, and research organisations an opportunity to learn more about the funding opportunities, the application process, and key requirements for submitting competitive proposals. Participants also engaged in live Q&A sessions aimed at clarifying eligibility criteria and submission procedures.

Two Strategic Objectives

The call is divided into two main topics, each targeting specific strategic goals:

1. DIGITAL-2025-EDIH-AC-08-COMPLETION-STEP: Completion of the initial EDIH Network

This part of the call aims to expand the existing network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) by including entities from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Moldova . The objective is to enhance the overall performance and capacity of the EDIH network to address digitalisation needs at local, regional, national, and EU levels.

• Total Budget : €2 million
• Focus : Completing the pan-European coverage of the EDIH network
• Eligible countries : Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova

2. DIGITAL-2025-EDIH-AC-08-CONSOLIDATION-STEP: Consolidation of the EDIH Network with AI Focus

This topic seeks to strengthen the EDIH network by selecting new hubs from Seals of Excellence holders in four associated countries: Albania, North Macedonia, Türkiye, and Ukraine . These new EDIHs will have a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) , supporting the EU’s broader strategy to become a global leader in trustworthy AI.

• Total Budget : €9 million
• Focus : Reinforcing AI capabilities across the extended EDIH network
• Eligible countries : Albania, North Macedonia, Türkiye, Ukraine

What Was Covered in the Info Session?

Presentations delivered during the event included:

• Policy Context : Overview of the Digital Europe Programme and the role of EDIHs in bridging the digital divide across Europe.
• Legal Validation and Financial Capacity Assessment : Key steps applicants must follow to ensure compliance with funding rules.
• Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) : Insights into how EDIHs can align their activities with priority technologies identified by STEP.
• Submitting a Successful Proposal via the Funding & Tenders Portal : Practical guidance on navigating the online submission system.
• Support with Proposal Preparation : Tips and resources available to help applicants develop high-quality proposals.

All presentation materials are now available online , offering a valuable resource for prospective applicants preparing their submissions.

Building a Pan-European Digital Ecosystem

The expansion and consolidation of the EDIH network represent a crucial step toward achieving a truly inclusive and geographically balanced European digital innovation ecosystem . By reinforcing AI capacities and extending coverage to associated countries, the EU aims to support SMEs, public authorities, and citizens in adopting advanced digital technologies.

“This call is not just about funding—it’s about empowering regions, building expertise, and ensuring that all parts of Europe can benefit from the digital transformation,” said a HaDEA representative during the session.

Next Steps

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the call documents and presentations on the Funding & Tenders Portal and begin assembling their consortia. The deadline for submission is expected to be announced shortly.

For more information and updates on this call and other Digital Europe Programme initiatives, visit the HaDEA website or contact HaDEA directly via the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Source link

Every year, on 9 May, people across Europe celebrate the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which was a milestone to bring peace and solidarity in Europe. This year is particularly special as it marks the 75th anniversary of this historic moment.
Let’s celebrate together
To celebrate this occasion, the EDPB takes part in the EU Open Day, with an interactive stand hosted by volunteers from the EDPB Secretariat and national Data Protection Authorities (DPAs). Come and visit us to learn more about data protection and the EDPB’s activities.
You will find the EDPB and EDPS stands at the European Commission’s headquarters – the Berlaymont building – Village 1 “A Democratic Union”, on Saturday 10 May from 10:00 to 18:00.
Do you want to learn more about privacy and data protection — and test your knowledge?Come visit us for fun activities and quizzes designed just for you!
Further information about Europe Day 2025

Source link