Italian government urged to fully apply European Media Freedom Act to RAI

On the first anniversary of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), civil‑society groups Europa radicale, Articolo 5 and Spazio Pubblico staged a press conference outside RAI’s headquarters in Rome. Representatives Stefano Balassone, Federica Valcauda and Carmelo Palma called for the removal of party influence from the public broadcaster, declaring “Da oggi la Rai è fuori legge” and urging the adoption of a governance model that complies with EMFA standards.

Deputy Angelo Bonelli of the Green‑Left Alliance echoed the criticism, saying Italy remains “inadempiente” a year after EMFA entered into force. He highlighted ongoing issues such as opaque ownership structures, political control of RAI, journalist intimidation through lawsuits and spyware spying, and urged the Meloni government and Parliament to act promptly to safeguard media pluralism and freedom.

Both statements stress that full implementation of EMFA is essential for Italy’s democratic credibility and for protecting independent journalism.