EU Considers Financial Support for Radio Liberty

On Friday, the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the 27 EU member states (Coreper), which meets at the ambassadorial level, discussed the possibility of EU funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

This was reported to Ukrainian media by a diplomat of an EU state who is well aware of the discussion.

‘Despite the fact that the United States unblocked some funds for Radio Liberty after a lawsuit, the EU states have a common opinion on the need for a long-term solution to finance this media outlet,’  the source said.

A diplomat stated that the Czech ambassador briefed the Coreper meeting on the situation regarding Radio Liberty's operations. The European Commission will now prepare detailed proposals on potential funding or co-funding for the media outlet, after which EU member state ambassadors will revisit the issue at a future Coreper session. Additionally, the matter will be discussed at an EU Council expert working group meeting on April 10.

The pause in financing of Radio Liberty, along with the Voice of America, had to do with the Trump’s decision to defund the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), an independent federal agency, overseeing Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, Radio Free Europe.

Nevertheless, the USAGM has decided to revoke its decision to cancel a grant to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. This is stated in a letter signed by Carrie Lake, Senior Advisor to the USAGM Director.

Funding was reinstated by a Federal District Court in Washington, D.C., which ruled in favor of Radio Liberty on March 26 after the broadcaster appealed the termination. The court’s decision restores the grant agreement, though USAGM retains the right to cancel it later. The grant is now set to run until September 30, 2025.