Tue May 20 19:58:34 UTC 2025: ## EU Steps In to Save Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty After Trump Administration Cuts Funding
**Brussels, Belgium** – The European Union will provide €5.5 million ($6.2m) in emergency funding to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) after the Trump administration abruptly cut off its funding earlier this year. The move comes as the EU seeks to counter the impact of US foreign aid cuts and support independent journalism.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the funding on Tuesday, describing it as a “safety net” for the broadcaster, which has been operating for 75 years. The Trump administration suspended funding for RFE/RL in March as part of a broader effort to slash government spending. Critics argue the cuts are politically motivated, aimed at curbing news media that do not align with the administration’s views.
“It’s short-term emergency funding designed as a safety net for the independent journalism,” Kallas told reporters.
The funding will prioritize RFE/RL’s operations in countries neighboring the EU that rely on external news sources, particularly those in Eastern Europe. While not covering the entirety of RFE/RL’s global operations, the EU hopes this initiative will encourage its 27 member states to provide further, longer-term financial support.
RFE/RL secured a court order last month to restore $12 million appropriated by Congress, but the funds have not yet been released. Lawyers for the organization warned that without the funding, the outlet could be forced to shut down in June.
RFE/RL broadcasts in 27 languages across 23 countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The outlet has faced criticism and bans from Russia for its coverage of the war in Ukraine. Originally funded by the CIA, RFE/RL was founded during the Cold War to provide news and information to countries behind the Iron Curtain.
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