Radio Free Europe receives funding from the EU. Kaja Kallas: “A safety net for independent journalism”
Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Photo: Dursun Aydemir / AFP / Profimedia Images
The European Union will unlock 5.5 million euros to help Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) continue its activities after the United States has frozen the financing of the broadcaster, the head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, said on Tuesday, taken over by Agerpres.
“This amount will help support the vital activity of Radio Free Europe,” Kallas told the press, after a meeting of the EU foreign ministers.
“This is a short -term emergency financing conceived as a safety net for independent journalism,” she added.
US President Donald Trump has suspended Finance for Radio Free Europe /Radio Liberty in March, at the same time with financing for other American broadcasters, including the voice of America, in his campaign to reduce government spending.
RFE/RL, which has over 1,700 employees in total, challenged the court decision and obtained a temporary restriction order last week.
However, the American authorities have so far refused to send the money the radio station needs.
Kallas said that the financing offered by the EU will not be able to cover the activity of the worldwide broadcaster, but will focus on countries in regions such as Caucas and Central Asia. “It is clear that Europe cannot offer all the necessary funds,” the head of EU diplomacy admitted.
