EU releases funding to keep Radio Free Europe afloat
The emergency funding would not cover Radio Free Europe across the globe, but only in select European and Asian countries. The pro-democracy outlet’s funds were cut off by the Trump administration.
The emergency funding would not cover Radio Free Europe across the globe, but only in select European and Asian countries. The pro-democracy outlet’s funds were cut off by the Trump administration.
Founded during the Cold War, the broadcaster’s aim was to deliver news to people under communist regimesImage: David W Cerny/REUTER
The European Union is providing €;5.5 million ($6.2 million) to support Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) after the broadcaster lost US public funding.
US President Donald Trump’s administration suspended funding to the 75-year-old broadcaster in March, accusing it of promoting a news agenda with liberal bias.
But on Tuesday, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc is releasing the emergency funding as a “safety net for independent journalism.”
What did the EU say?
Kallas addressed the significance of Radio Free Europe in resisting authoritarian regimes. Founded during the Cold War, the broadcaster’s aim was to deliver news to people under communist rule.
Kallas spoke about tuning in to Radio Free Europe during her childhood in Estonia, part of the former Soviet Union.
“Coming from the other side of the Iron Curtain, actually it was [from] the radio that we got a lot of information,” she said. “So, it has been a beacon of democracy, very valuable in this regard.”
