On 23 January, the EBU submitted its contribution to the annual Rule of Law report. A strong rule of law is essential for public service media to thrive, upholding the resilience, integrity, and sustainability of the European Union’s democratic values and institutions.

Ahead of the 2026 Rule of Law Report, the EBU emphasizes the urgent need to reaffirm these principles, safeguard media independence and pluralism, ensure journalists’ safety, and assess the growing risks that AI and new technologies pose to media freedom and pluralism.

 “In 2026, the Rule of Law Report must move beyond commitments and measure enforcement. Especially now that the European Media Freedom Act safeguards are in force, public service media must be guaranteed freedom from political interference and stable, predictable funding.  These are not optional: democracy needs media independence,” said Sofia Nobre, EU Policy Adviser, EBU.

The year 2025 was pivotal for media and democracy in Europe. The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) came into effect, which established key safeguards for independent media, while the European Commission launched its Democracy Shield initiative, which highlighted the essential role of media in protecting democratic integrity.

These steps are crucial in a time of rising challenges and threats to public service media, as seen recently in Lithuania, Slovakia, Poland, and other EU Member States.

Read our full submission to the right.