The European Union has agreed to provide €5.5 million in emergency funding to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), after the Trump administration cut U.S. grants to the media outlet, accusing it of promoting a liberal-biased news agenda.
“This short-term emergency funding is a safety net for independent journalism,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
RFE/RL, which began broadcasting during the Cold War, operates in 27 languages across 23 countries, including Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Legal challenges against the U.S. funding decision are ongoing.
Support for Independent Media
Kallas emphasized that while the EU cannot fully replace global U.S. funding, it will support RFE/RL’s work in strategically important neighboring regions heavily reliant on external news sources.
She also expressed hope that all 27 EU member states will contribute more long-term funding.
“We’ve identified strategic areas where EU support can keep vital journalism alive,” Kallas added.
RFE/RL is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with its main editorial base in the Czech Republic, which has led the EU effort to secure continued support for the broadcaster.
