Emergency Funding and Legal Battles
The has allocated €5.5 million ($6.2 million) in emergency funds to support , following the cessation of US grants by the Trump administration, which criticized the outlet for liberal bias.
Despite a US federal judge's order to restore $12 million in funds appropriated by , Radio Free Europe's legal battles continue as the funding is crucial to prevent its shutdown.
EU's Strategic Support and Future Prospects
EU foreign policy chief emphasized the funding as a "safety net for independent journalism," targeting countries in the EU's neighborhood that rely on external news.
While the EU's support is immediate and region-specific, there are hopes for long-term funding solutions from EU member states to sustain Radio Free Europe's operations amidst global funding gaps.