On 25 November, the EBU submitted its response to the European Commission’s Public Consultation on the AgoraEU programme. We welcome a stronger and more coherent approach to strengthen EU support and funding for culture, media and civil society.

AgoraEU is one element of the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). One of the key strengths of AgoraEU is its effort to address the fragmentation of EU media-related funding. The creation of a dedicated Media+ strand is a major step forward in ensuring structured support for the sector. It will help media organizations address pressing challenges, while directly contributing to safeguarding democratic values, ensuring access to trustworthy information, and fostering civic engagement.

While Europe has the world’s second-largest audiovisual market, international competition, technological change and shifting audience habits pose significant challenges. EU support under AgoraEU can strengthen cross-border distribution and further the creation of European content. At the same time, quality journalism remains under severe pressure, making support for independent journalism more urgent than ever to ensure access to reliable, trustworthy information.

Digital transformation must also be a core priority. Media innovation support would reinforce Europe’s technological sovereignty and enable media organizations to scale up. With better coordination of EU resources under the next MFF, innovation and technology investment could be leveraged effectively to reach wider audiences and serve the public interest.

See our full contribution to the right.