Brussels – On Tuesday, EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas announced that the European Union will allocate 5.5 million euros (approximately 137 million crowns) to The European Endowment for Democracy (EED). This funding will be directed towards supporting Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), which is headquartered in Prague. The Czech Republic played a significant role in advocating for this financial support. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský expressed his appreciation for the EU’s decision, noting that the radio station has faced challenges following the cut in funding by the Trump administration in mid-March.
Kallas emphasized the pressing need for independent media, stating, “I am pleased to announce 5.5 million euros for The European Endowment for Democracy to support Radio Free Europe,” during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels. She clarified that this funding serves as short-term emergency assistance.
Lipavský welcomed Kallas’s announcement, labeling it as positive news for RFE/RL’s prospects in Europe. He mentioned that any inquiries regarding the financial specifics, including the allocation and duration of the funds, should now be directed to the EED and RFE/RL. “I’m not sure at what stage the funding package is currently; this is just the first step,” he remarked to Czech journalists in Brussels. He highlighted the need for further action to secure long-term financing for the station, noting that operational changes will be necessary for it to function with European funds. “European countries must also have some influence over the institution’s operations,” he added, indicating that discussions are ongoing.
Before the meeting, Lipavský stressed the importance of European countries collaborating to maintain RFE/RL’s mission. “Given that this media outlet reaches ten percent of audiences in Russia, Belarus, and Iran, supporting it is crucial for our own security and strategic communication,” he stated prior to the EU’s decision. He further suggested that funding through the EED, established in 2013 by the EU and its member states, could be a viable pathway for RFE/RL’s continued operations. (May 20)
Leave a Reply