After President Donald Trump’s decision to halt federal funding to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), the European Union will provide EUR 5.5 million to the outlet.
Announced on Tuesday by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the decision is seen as a strategic move to supportindependent journalism in regions where press freedom is under threat. “This support comes at a crucial time,” Kallas stated, pointing out the outlet’s role in delivering “reliable information in countries where it’s needed most.”
In March, Trump ordered the termination of U.S. grants to RFE/RL in the scope of broader efforts to shrink government spending. The move was met with sharp criticism from media freedom advocates who warned that cutting off funds could undermine one of the few credible news sources available in authoritarian regimes.
The EU’s intervention shows growing concern in Europe over the global decline in media freedom and disinformation. Kallas emphasized that “independent journalism is a cornerstone of democracy,” and that the EU “will not let such vital institutions be weakened.”
