We express our deep concern over the financial challenges currently faced by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), as reported in recent news.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has played a vital role in providing independent, unbiased, and fact-based information to citizens, particularly in regions where freedom of the press is under threat. Throughout the Cold War, it served as a crucial source of trustworthy news for audiences behind the Iron Curtain, playing a key role in many of our countries' histories.
Today, RFE/RL continues to provide trusted, independent news to tens of millions in regions where free press is restricted or absent. In doing so, it helps to promote democratic values and strengthens our collective response to disinformation and authoritarian propaganda. This vital work builds on its historic role as a force for democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression – values at the core of the European Union. By countering foreign malign influence and reinforcing democratic resilience, RFE/RL contributes to safeguarding European security and its elimination would be a gift to Europe's adversaries.
In light of this situation, we declare our readiness to work together to find and secure appropriate financial resources that will allow RFE/RL to continue its important mission. European funding would ensure the stability of this key media institution and enable it to carry on providing critical and independent reporting.
We call on the relevant European institutions and member states to join forces in establishing sustainable financial support for RFE/RL and other independent media, thereby safeguarding media freedom and democracy in Europe and beyond.
The European Union stands united in protecting press freedom and supporting journalists who serve the public interest.
Signed,
Martin Dvořák
Minister for European Affairs
Czechia
Claudia Plakolm
Minister for Europe, Integration and Family
Austria
Maxime Prévot
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation
Belgium
Margus Tsahkna
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Estonia
Anna Lührmann
Minister of State for Europe and Climate
Germany
Artjoms Uršuļskis
Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Latvia
Sigitas Mitkus
Vice-minister of Foreign Affairs
Lithuania
Caspar Veldkamp
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Netherlands
Marko Štucin
State Secretary for European and political affairs, international law and the protection of interests
Slovenia
Jessica Rosencrantz
Minister for EU Affairs
Sweden