Cyprus criticized for restrictive implementation of European Media Freedom Act

The government of Cyprus is facing significant backlash regarding its proposed legislation to implement the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). While the EU regulation is intended to safeguard media independence and freedom of expression, critics argue that the Cypriot authorities have repurposed the bill to facilitate state control over the press. The proposed measures reportedly grant state-appointed officials the authority to compel journalists to disclose their sources and subject non-compliant media professionals to punitive sanctions.

Legal obligations required Cyprus to transpose the EMFA into national law by September 2025. The legislative process has been marked by delays and criticism over a lack of genuine public participation. Following an initial bill in March 2025 and a revision in February 2026, the proposal has remained stalled in parliament for eight months. Stakeholders, including the Union of Cyprus Journalists and the Cyprus Media Complaints Commission, participated in limited consultations in April and May 2025, but report that their input was largely ignored by the government. The bill currently remains in a state of limbo among the interior ministry, the legal service, and the legislature.