DISINFO: The EU aims to use RFE/RL as a geopolitical tool
SUMMARY
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which is 100 percent dependent on US and EU budgets, has historically carried out geopolitical tasks. It has clearly demonstrated its ideological tool with its scope of activity and editorial structure and is presented in the West as a "free press" and an "independent voice." The European Union's allocation of 5.5 million euros to the Radio is also related to the institution's desire to turn the radio into a geopolitical tool. In this policy, institutions such as the EEAS and EED play a crucial role.
RESPONSE
This is a pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative suggesting that media organisations are tools of Western countries used to create chaos abroad. It also seeks to undermine the editorial independence of RFE/RL, particularly in the context of the EU’s support for the outlet.
There is no evidence in the news to prove the claims. Although the US government funded RFE/RL, its editorial independence has always been protected. A protective firewall has been established within the USAGM, which insulates RFE/RL content and staff from political and other external influences. The firewall is critical to ensuring that the editors, reporters, and other journalists make the final decisions on what stories to cover and how they are covered, and that those decisions are ultimately governed by the highest standards of professional journalism, as required by law. The independence and credibility of Congress-funded media organisations have been guaranteed by the US law as well. RFE/RL explicitly demonstrates its standards of journalism ethics on its websites.
Regarding the EU’s financial support to RFE/RL, it is solely intended to promote independent media. This support reflects the EU’s commitment to safeguarding independent journalism and media freedom. The financial pledge comes after Trump ordered the termination of grants in March 2025 as part of sweeping efforts to downsize the U.S. government. EU HRVP Kaja Kallas said the EU's Foreign Ministers had agreed to a €5.5 million contract to support the vital work of Radio Free Europe. "This will support the vital work of Radio Free Europe," she said, describing the move as "short-term emergency funding" to provide a "safety net" for independent journalism.
See more cases such as Reporters Without Borders applauds USAID ending funds for Ukrainian media, Sputnik tells the truth unlike Western media and RT journalists tell the truth, RFE / RL, run by Western circles as a "saboteur" in Azerbaijan, Radio Liberty and VOA are a part of American propaganda machine and are banned in the US.