Czech and Austrian ministers push for independent media support

Czech Minister for European Affairs Martin Dvořák and his Austrian counterpart Claudia Plakolm agreed on the need to support independent media at their meeting in Prague on Thursday. They discussed Czech efforts to secure funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) after the US government announced plans to cut funding. Other topics included the US elections, migration, and aid for Ukraine.

Mr. Dvořák highlighted a Czech-led initiative to rally European backing for RFE/RL, which Austria and eight other countries have supported. He stressed that the broadcaster remains a crucial source of independent news for nations lacking free media. Plakolm reiterated Austria’s support, emphasizing RFE/RL’s role in providing objective reporting in regions where press freedom is under threat.