In a written answer on 13 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen stated that the European Commission does not require its funded media outlets to mention all political groups in their EU news coverage, upholding editorial independence as a fundamental principle. The response, addressed to MEPs Virginie Joron and Catherine Griset of the Patriots for Europe group, clarifies that while projects must adhere to professional journalistic standards—including accuracy, objectivity, and plural viewpoints—the Commission does not interfere with editorial content.
The question cited examples from Euractiv and AFP articles that omitted positions of certain political groups, and asked whether the Commission mandates balanced coverage. Virkkunen explained that grants under programmes such as Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, and Creative Europe are awarded through open calls, and beneficiaries operate with full editorial independence. The Commission monitors project implementation but does not prescribe which viewpoints must be included.
On financial details, Virkkunen disclosed that since 2014, Agence France-Presse has received approximately EUR 8.4 million in co-financing, mostly through innovation programmes and multimedia actions. France Télévisions has received around EUR 1 million through Digital Europe, Creative Europe, and European Parliament pilot projects. The answer provides no new commitments or changes to funding conditions, reiterating the existing framework that prioritises media freedom over content mandates.
The response signals no shift in Commission policy, leaving the current approach unchanged. Institutional follow-up is unlikely unless Parliament pushes for a debate on media funding conditions.