EU Funding for Romanian Press: Is It Support or Political Influence?

A recent report, cited by journalist Ion Cristoiu, alleges that several Romanian press institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have received substantial funding, ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of euros, from the European Commission. According to the report, this funding is intended to support the European Union's political agenda. Mr. Cristoiu stated that these funds are purportedly used to combat "disinformation" and promote "diversity of expression" and "press freedom." However, he questioned whether this funding differs significantly from the communist era, when the ruling party financed the press to serve its political interests. Among the entities mentioned in the report are RFE/RL Romania (allegedly receiving €200,000), AGERPRES (€1.7 million), Brod Romania (€2.7 million), PressHub Romania (€111,000), Context Romania (€2 million), Odd News (€1.1 million), and Antena 3 (€140,000). Cristoiu claims that these media institutions have actively campaigned against "sovereignist movements and leaders," particularly during electoral campaigns, under the guise of fighting "extremism" and "pro-Russianism." He argued that this financial support effectively obliges these media outlets to support the current political power and the European Commission's vision, rather than maintaining journalistic independence, being critical, or respecting the plurality of opinions. "Our money is used to lie to us. Against us and against sovereignist movements and the sovereignist leader," Cristoiu asserted, emphasizing that press independence requires holding power accountable, not being financed by it.

BZI.ro

one month ago

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