The European Media Freedom Act has entered into full force

Key safeguards for editorial independence

Article 4 of the EMFA sets out three fundamental rights for media service providers:

• Freedom to conduct business without restrictions: ensuring the “free flow of reliable information” within the Single Market, allowing equal competition under safe media conditions.

• Editorial freedom: prohibiting governmental or regulatory interference in editorial policies and decisions.

• Protection of journalistic sources: prohibiting the disclosure of sources and confidential communications, as well as any coercive measures or installation of intrusive surveillance software to obtain such information.

In addition, Article 5 safeguards the independence of public service media funding, Article 3 guarantees the right to pluralism of editorially independent media services, and Article 18 strengthens transparency and accountability in the digital sphere.

Online visibility and platform rules

From a publishing perspective, Article 18 is particularly important, as it protects the online presence of recognised media service providers. It aims to prevent Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs – with more than 45 million monthly EU users) from unjustifiably removing or restricting media content.

From August 2025, VLOPs must:

• Notify media service providers in advance of any intended removal or restriction of content,

• Provide clear reasoning for the proposed moderation decision,

• Allow 24 hours for a media response before action is taken – except in cases of urgent public safety threats.

The European Commission is currently preparing implementation guidelines for Article 18, aiming to standardise procedures and ensure transparency in cooperation between platforms and media outlets.

What does this mean for the media market?

The EMFA’s entry into force creates a new legal framework for European media players, where editorial independence, economic freedom, and online visibility enjoy reinforced protection. The regulation’s goal is to guarantee that independent, ethical, and diverse media content remains accessible to EU citizens – even in the face of challenges from digital platforms or national regulators.