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These projects are aligned with the objectives of the Commission’s European Democracy Action Plan and the Media and Audiovisual Action Plan, presented in December 2020. Examples of projects include supporting collaborative and cross-border journalism, monitoring risks to media pluralism, mapping violations of media freedom, defending journalists under threat, media innovation, supporting media literacy and strengthening the European public sphere.
As part of the latter, the Commission launched the ‘News Initiative’, bundling existing and new actions to support the news media sector.
This initiative looks holistically at the challenges facing the news media industry and provides a coherent response, bringing together different policy and funding programmes/instruments under a common banner.
As part of these efforts, the new Multiannual Financial Framework for the first time has a dedicated envelope for media pluralism, journalism and media literacy of at least €75 million under Creative Europe.
1. Media freedom and pluralism calls
Media freedom and pluralism are essential principles enshrined by the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. The Commission has been providing support to these principles through a wide range of pilots and preparatory actions. In the period 2021-2027, actions that monitor and assess risks to media pluralism and freedom are supported through the Creative Europe programme.
2. Collaboration and innovation calls
The Commission aims to support the transformation and competitiveness of the news media sector. Grants under Creative Europe include support to foster cross-border collaboration across news media, through grants. These grants aim to stimulate the testing of viable business models, developing business and editorial standards and training and mobility of professionals. Support to innovative applications for media is offered through Horizon Europe.
3. Citizen engagement and public sphere calls
The Commission wants to stimulate a lively and diverse public sphere, in which citizens have access to reliable information about the EU. Support for independent production and dissemination of news content on EU affairs is available through the Multimedia Actions. In addition, the Commission supports the development of innovative and attractive projects to engage with citizens, as well as media literacy.
Recent calls to support the news media sector
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Big Picture
The Media and Audiovisual Action Plan (MAAP) aims to boost European media and help maintain European cultural and technological autonomy in the Digital Decade.
Dig deeper
The Commission wants to stimulate a lively and diverse public sphere, in which citizens have access to reliable information about the EU.
The Commission works to help the news media sector become more resilient, through European media collaborations and innovations.
The Commission supports media initiatives to protect media freedom and pluralism. Funding instruments include pilot projects and preparatory actions, and as of 2021 through the Creative Europe programme.