16/03/2023 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 16 March, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted its opinion on the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) (see EUROPE 13140/18). Drafted by Mark Speich (EPP, German), the text highlights the role of local and regional governments in guaranteeing media freedom and pluralism, especially in some Member States. In general, while it supports the European Commission’s objectives, the CoR fears that over-regulation could negatively impact well-established media systems. It also considers that a directive would have been a better legislative act and that the legal basis for the regulation, namely the internal market (Art. 114 TFEU) is questionable. Finally, it emphasises that it is the responsibility of the Member States to ensure media pluralism. Read the adopted opinion: https://aeur.eu/f/5r9 (HS)