The European Parliament and Council last week reached political agreement on the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) proposed by the Commission last September.

The new rules will protect editorial independence by requiring EU member states to respect the effective editorial freedom of media service providers, while improving the protection of journalistic sources, including against the use of spyware, the Commission says.

It also sets out requirements for the independent functioning of public service media, including around the transparency of senior appointments, and the disclosure of ownership of private media companies.

Other provisions will prevent online giants like Google and Facebook from removing content which meets professional standards and require state advertising to be fairly distributed among media providers and online platforms.

The new European Board for Media Services, which will be set up under EMFA, will be comprised of national media authorities or bodies assisted by a Commission secretariat.

The Board will promote the effective and consistent application of the EU media law framework by, among others, issuing opinions on the impact of media market concentrations likely to affect the functioning of the internal market for media services, as well as supporting the Commission in preparing guidelines on media regulatory matters.

It will also coordinate measures regarding non-EU media that present a risk to public security, and will organise a “structured dialogue” between very large online platforms (as designated under the Digital Services Act), the media and the civil society.

Commenting on Friday, Věra Jourová, the European Commission’s vice-president for Values and Transparency, said: “Today’s agreement on this paramount piece of legislation sets out clear principles and safeguards for media independence.

“The European Media Freedom Act makes sure that journalists are protected in their work, also against intrusive spyware and that public media does not become a propaganda tool of one party.”

Thierry Breton, commissioner for the internal market, added: “With the agreement today on EMFA, we have made a key contribution to the sustainability and future development of independent media in the EU.

“Media pluralism and independence are a pillar of EU democracy, and the European Media Freedom Act will be a powerful tool to protect them, while fostering an environment where media can grow and operate freely across borders.”