European Union Funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

SOURCE www.npr.org
The European Union provided emergency funding to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to keep it operational after the Trump administration withheld $75 million in funds designated for the broadcaster. The network provides non-ideological news coverage to countries in Eastern Europe and neighboring states where press freedom is limited.

Key Points

  • The European Union provided $6.2 million in emergency funding to support Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
  • Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty were founded in the 1950s to combat Soviet propaganda and provide news coverage in regions with limited press freedom.
  • The Trump administration sought to dismantle the network, citing bias and anti-American content.

Pros

  • Emergency funding from the European Union helps keep Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty operational.
  • The network provides non-ideological news coverage to countries where press freedom is limited.

Cons

  • The Trump administration's withholding of $75 million in funds jeopardizes Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's survival.