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The Media Board
 
  • Press release
  • 3 July 2025
  • Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology
  • 1 min read

Media Board delivers key reports on political ads and third-country media

The independent advisory body enters a crucial phase as full implementation of the EMFA approaches

On 30 June 2025, the European Board for Media Services (the “Media Board”) held its third Plenary Meeting in Brussels, marking a decisive step in its mission to support the consistent and effective implementation of EU media law. The meeting brought together representatives from the national regulatory authorities under the chairmanship of Carlos Aguilar (CNMC, Spain), with the participation of Giuseppe Abbamonte, Director at DG CONNECT of the European Commission (EC).

At the meeting, the Media Board adopted two landmark documents: 

  • A contribution to the call for evidence on the upcoming EC guidance for the implementation of the Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising Regulation (TTPA), offering the Media Board’s regulatory perspective to support consistent and effective enforcement across the Union.
  • A mapping report on national measures concerning third-country media services, documenting legal national frameworks, challenges and good practices across the EU. This report represents the first step in supporting the implementation of Article 17 of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and will be followed by the adoption of a list of criteria to guide national regulators in applying measures related to media services originating from outside the Union.

“The Mapping marks an essential first step in strengthening our collective capacity to address risks posed by media services from third countries,” said Carlos Aguilar. “Article 17 is not only a legal provision: it is a commitment to defend the European information space from external interference.”

The Plenary session addressed crucial points requiring action before the EMFA comes fully into application. August 8, 2025, represents an important date in the Media Board's immediate horizon, when core provisions on content of media service providers on very large online platforms (article 18), national measures (article 21), market concentrations (articles 22 and 23) and audience measurement (article 24) will become applicable, among others. This follows the internal implementation of the structured cooperation between NRAs (articles 14 and 15) already operational since May 2025. 

“In just four months, the Media Board has become a central force in the EU media regulatory framework,” said Carlos Aguilar. “We’re ready for August 8, and ready to defend democracy, free expression and the rule of law across the Union.”