EU allocates €5.5M to support Radio Free Europe’s operations
The European Union is allocating €5.5 million to support the operations of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).
The announcement was made on Tuesday, May 20, by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas.
She stated that the funding will go toward sustaining RFE/RL’s presence in countries bordering the EU, particularly in regions such as the Caucasus and Central Asia.
“In an age of unchecked information, independent journalism is more essential than ever,” Kallas declared. “That’s why I’m pleased to announce a €5.5 million contract currently being prepared with the European Endowment for Democracy. This is short-term emergency funding designed to sustain independent journalism.”
Kallas noted that while the EU cannot finance RFE/RL’s global operations, it must ensure that the broadcaster remains active in neighbouring regions, where local communities depend on it for impartial and reliable news.
She also emphasised the need to identify long-term funding solutions to secure the future of RFE/RL.
Earlier this month, Sweden pledged a financial contribution of 20 million Swedish kronor (approximately €1.7 million) to help RFE/RL continue its operations.
Until recently, RFE/RL received funding from congressional appropriations approved by the U.S. Congress. However, on March 15, 2025, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) withdrew its approved funding for the broadcaster.
In response, on April 30, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth issued a preliminary injunction requiring USAGM to reinstate funding until a final legal decision is reached.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
