Media freedom under threat across EU, rights report warns

Media freedom and pluralism are under increasing threat across the European Union due to a growing concentration of ownership, political interference, and inadequate regulation, according to a new report by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties).

The report, based on findings from 43 human rights groups across 21 countries, highlights deteriorating conditions in both established and emerging democracies within the bloc. It warns that media markets in several EU states face serious challenges, with press freedom “under attack” and, in some cases, in an “existential battle.”

A central concern is the high concentration of media ownership in countries such as Croatia, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. Wealthy individuals and politically connected groups often control large segments of the media, while ownership transparency remains weak despite EU requirements under the upcoming European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), set to take effect in August.

The report criticizes governments for using state advertising to favor loyal media outlets and notes increasing political influence over public broadcasters, particularly in Hungary, Slovakia, and Italy. In Hungary, a pro-government foundation, Kesma, controls hundreds of outlets and receives significant state funding.

Journalists across the EU continue to face physical attacks, hate speech, and legal harassment, including SLAPP lawsuits aimed at silencing critical reporting. Freedom of information is also undermined by officials’ refusal to release public data in countries like Germany, Malta, and Greece. The report concludes that the EU’s ability to enforce EMFA provisions will be crucial in defending media freedom in the years ahead.