As the technical discussions on the European Media Freedom Act are progressing, the undersigned organisations, representing tens of thousands of commercial media brands, newspapers, magazines, radio and broadcasters across the EU, would like to bring to your attention a key point for the viability of the media sector.

With the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the EU has set itself the noble goal of strengthening media freedom in the EU. But unless the proposed Article 4 is in line with international standards, such as the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the final text could fall short of this original objective.

The European press publishers' associations EMMA and ENPA acknowledge today's vote in the European Parliament on the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). The core objective of EMMA and ENPA is to protect press and media freedom and pluralism in the EU and to promote an environment in which the free press can flourish and develop – both online and offline. In this respect, the European Parliament's report has brought improvements towards these goals. Nevertheless, several shortcomings remain that need to be addressed during the trilogue negotiations in order for the EMFA to effectively strengthen the media, to protect its freedom while avoiding unnecessarily interfering in functioning systems in Member States.

On 3 October, the European Parliament will vote on its position on the European Media Freedom Act. Ahead of the vote, the undersigned associations representing all actors in the media sector, both commercial and public media, ranging from press and radio to audiovisual media, would like to thank the rapporteur and shadows from the leading Culture and Education Committee (CULT) as well as from the associated LIBE and IMCO committees for all their work on this file.