The European Union is intensifying its efforts to secure funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) following the U.S. government’s decision to cut financial support. European politicians have expressed concerns that shutting down RFE/RL would be a significant blow to pro-democracy media.
Czech Minister for European Affairs, Martin Dvorak, emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that the EU must act swiftly to prevent the media organization from collapsing. “So far, seven countries have backed this initiative, but we need to mobilize more support,” Dvorak said during a press briefing in Brussels on March 18.
European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, also voiced her commitment to ensuring RFE/RL’s continued operation. “I will do everything in my power to support RFE/RL’s mission,” she posted on X.
Germany’s embassy in Kosovo highlighted RFE/RL’s role as a “beacon of free and impartial reporting” for over seven decades. The EU’s High Representative, Kaja Kallas, has also confirmed that the bloc is exploring potential funding mechanisms.
Broad European Support for RFE/RL
During the March 17 meeting of EU foreign ministers, discussions centered on potential financial aid for RFE/RL. While Dvorak did not disclose the names of the supporting countries, diplomatic sources confirmed that Germany, Austria, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia, the Baltic states, Poland, and the Czech Republic are among them.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot underscored the risks posed by RFE/RL’s financial struggles, stating that the loss of the broadcaster would create an information vacuum filled by disinformation and propaganda. “Defending free press means defending democracy,” he added.
Similarly, Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski recalled how his family relied on RFE/RL and Voice of America during the Cold War to access unbiased information. “These institutions continue to perform the same critical role today in authoritarian regimes,” he noted.
Trump’s Decision Sparks Concern
Former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 14 directing significant budget cuts across seven federal agencies, including the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees RFE/RL. As a result, USAGM announced the immediate suspension of Congressional grants that funded the broadcaster.
RFE/RL President Stephen Capus called the funding cut a “gift to America’s adversaries,” echoing concerns from media watchdogs, democracy advocates, and politicians.
U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen criticized the decision, warning that it undermines America’s commitment to supporting independent media. “If Trump succeeds, those who rely on U.S.-backed independent media as an alternative to Chinese and Kremlin-controlled outlets will lose a critical source of truth,” she stated.
EU Faces Urgent Decision
USAGM, an independent agency overseeing international broadcasting in over 50 languages, requested a $950 million budget for the 2025 fiscal year. This funding supports RFE/RL, Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and other key initiatives.
Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz affirmed Sweden’s support for the Czech-led initiative, emphasizing RFE/RL’s role in defending freedom of speech.
Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party (EPP), said the decision to defund RFE/RL highlights the shifting geopolitical landscape. “Those who uphold the values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law deserve our support,” Weber declared.
With pressure mounting, EU leaders must decide within weeks whether to step in and ensure the survival of one of the most influential independent media organizations in Europe.
