Europe’s shrinking space for independent media

When they were first introduced, so-called “foreign agent” laws were presented as tools to increase transparency. In practice, however, they have often been used to cast doubt on the legitimacy of independent media and civil society. By forcing organisations and individuals who receive foreign funding to publicly declare these links, such laws can restrict their ability to work freely.

So what does this mean for media freedom? Because these measures mainly affect NGOs, human rights defenders, and journalists, they can stigmatise critical voices and weaken democratic accountability. This workshop will help participants understand how “foreign agent” laws and rhetoric are spreading across Europe and explore ways to prevent or push back against these developments.