There are many brave journalists across the world

who risk their lives to tell the truth.

In Europe too, journalists and media often face threats.

Political and economic pressure and even violence

are happening far too frequently.

This is why we are acting to protect media freedom.

Today we are breaking new ground.

We are proposing the Media Freedom Act.

For the first time, we are protecting in law

the editorial independence of the media.

No state interference.

No turning public media into propaganda of one party.

Better protection for journalists against spying;

no hacking of their phones and computers.

More transparency.

The public has the right to know who owns and funds the media

and how the state uses funds to buy advertising.

All this comes on top of our efforts

to improve the safety of journalists

and fight abusive litigation against them.

I want the EU to be leading the fight for democratic values.

The Media Freedom Act is part of this effort.