““Financial problems faced by Radio Liberty are a serious threat to independent journalism in the regions where the free press is silent” – prevo”, – WRITE: www.radiosvoboda.org
Czech Minister Martin Dvorak told reporters in Brussels on March 18 that several countries have already supported this initiative, but the block should act quickly because “it would be a big mistake to allow this institution to die.”
“We need to initiate some interest and meet with commissioners and some states. At the moment, this initiative was supported by seven more countries, and after we have published an initiative at the Council on General Issues, more countries will join us, ”he said, adding that this issue should be resolved within a few weeks.
Although Dvorak stated that he did not want to reveal the names of the countries that have expressed their support this step, diplomatic sources reported Radio Liberty that Germany, Austria, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia, Poland, the Czech Republic and the three Baltic countries are among those who support this initiative.
“Financial problems that Radio Liberty faces are a serious threat to independent journalism in the regions where the free press is silent from Russia and Belarus to Iran and Afghanistan,” said Belgium Foreign Minister Maxim Prevo in his post on the X.
“If RFE/RL disappears, misinformation and propaganda will fill the void. It would be a direct victory for those who seek to undermine democracy …. Europe cannot allow it. Protecting free press means protection of democracy. Access to reports based on facts is not just a principle, it is a need for safety and fundamental freedoms, ”he added.
On March 17, a meeting of foreign ministers of 27 Member States of the Bloc was held, which discussed the issue of the future of Radio Liberty. According to the results of the EU EU Supreme Representative, Kai Callas reported that the EU ministers agreed to “find a decision” on the fate of Radio Liberty.
On March 14, US President Donald Trump signed a decree reducing seven federal agencies, including USAGM Global Media Agency (USAGM), which takes care of Media Corporation by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, “voice of America” and some other media.
After that, it became known about the termination of the grant agreed by the Congress, which finances Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
President of the Media Corporation of PSU/RS Stephen Kapus said in the evening on the evening of March 15, the cancellation of a grant agreement with USAGM “would be a huge gift for America’s enemies.” “Iranian Ayatols, Chinese communist leaders, autocrat in Moscow and Minsk will celebrate the fall of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on the eve of its 75th anniversary. The victory of our opponents will make them stronger, and America is weaker, ”Kapus said in a statement.
USAGM is an independent US government agency that broadcast news and information for almost 50 languages for about 361 million people a week.