What the EU's Next Budget Means for Independent Media Around the World

GFMD Policy Meeting March 16, 2026

GFMD is convening members to our March Policy Meeting on the EU’s upcoming funding framework “Global Europe Instrument”.

This session will:

• Brief members on the proposed GEI text and negotiation process

• Examine implications for funding for media freedom and public interest journalism worldwide

• Gather member inputs on regional gaps in the GEI's priorities and funding lines

• Equip participants to engage in the legislative process in the European Parliament and Council

🗓️ 16 March 2026 🕐 13.00 - 14.00 UTC | 14.00 - 15.00 CET | 16:00 - 17:00 EAT | 21:00 - 22:00 SGT | 10:00 - 11:00 BRT/ART 📍 Online: Register here

Background

Over the coming months, the European Union will decide its next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), including the future shape of the Global Europe Instrument, EU’s main external funding framework, which significantly influences support for media development worldwide.

For many organisations across Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, these decisions directly influence whether funding for independent media, journalist safety, and information integrity remains predictable, accessible, and prioritised, or becomes more limited and politically reframed.

For the past months, GFMD has worked together with its partners through our EU Media Advocacy Group to produce a first batch of coordinated amendments for the Global Europe Instrument.

Meeting materials

• Global Europe Instrument: proposed regulation

• Analysis of the Global Europe Instrument (by Leadeur)