In times where journalistic independence faces mounting threats, the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) emerges as a beacon for protecting press freedom. At the heart of this legislative framework lies Article 4, a provision explicitly designed to shield journalistic sources from undue interference. This provision seeks to prohibit state authorities from employing surveillance tools against journalists, while also curbing other invasive actions that jeopardise the confidentiality and independence essential to journalism.

Yet, as this first EMFA Talk will explore, the provision leaves critical gaps that must be addressed to ensure its effectiveness in safeguarding journalistic sources.

A central concern stems from the potential reintroduction of a national security exception through the backdoor of Article 4(2) of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU), which could undermine the very protections Article 4 is meant to guarantee (see Kermer 2024).

Additionally, ambiguities persist about whether the provision extends its reach to encompass the increasingly prevalent outsourcing of surveillance activities to private entities.

This inaugural discussion sets the stage for a nuanced analysis of these issues, inviting participants to reflect on the balance between national security and press freedom.

To attend (in person or online) please register at this link.