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EU Steps In to Fund Vital RFE/RL Broadcasts

3/17/2025

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Summary

EU Supports RFE/RL

The EU is stepping up to support Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) following a funding cut by the U.S. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský stressed the urgency of EU intervention to preserve RFE/RL's crucial broadcasts, which are lifelines for democracy in oppressive areas. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas recognized the daunting task of bridging the funding shortfall.

Summary

Trump Cuts Journalism

The Trump administration's drastic funding cuts to Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty have left over 1,300 employees in limbo, silencing vital voices of independent journalism. Critics warn this retreat from supporting free speech emboldens authoritarian regimes and threatens the very essence of democratic values in regions plagued by censorship.

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EU Supports RFE/RL

The EU is stepping up to support Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) following a funding cut by the U.S. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský stressed the urgency of EU intervention to preserve RFE/RL's crucial broadcasts, which are lifelines for democracy in oppressive areas. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas recognized the daunting task of bridging the funding shortfall.

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