The European Union has announced the allocation of 5.5 million euros to support the broadcasting of “Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.” These funds will be used to ensure the operation of media outlets in the Caucasus and Central Asian regions, which are important for the EU’s information policy.
At a press conference on May 20, Kaja Kallas, the head of European diplomacy, confirmed that EU ministers had approved the funding decision aimed at supporting “Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty” in its activities. She noted that the European Union seeks to provide broadcasting not only in neighboring countries but also in the North Caucasus and Central Asia.
Kallas also clarified that this funding is short-term, and EU member states need to discuss the possibility of long-term support. This decision was a response to the challenges faced by independent media in regions where freedom of speech is restricted.
It is worth noting that previously “Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty” and other media funded by the US government faced difficulties due to an executive order by former US President Donald Trump, which envisaged the dissolution of the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM). This raised concerns about the future of independent broadcasters.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is an international news organization providing news and analysis to about 50 million listeners in 23 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, as well as the republics of Central Asia and the Caucasus. The funding for this organization is provided by the US Congress through the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), highlighting the importance of independent media in today’s world.
