Aspects regarding European regulations and the current situation of mass media

Abstract

Recent Eurobarometer data (2025) indicate that Romania remains among the European Union (member states with the highest levels of perceived exposure to disinformation and fake news. This article examines the Romanian case in comparative perspective, situating it within broader European trends and analyzing the potential implications for societal resilience, democratic trust, and media ecosystems. The study also discusses the relevance of Regulation 2024/1083, known as the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), as a structural response to vulnerabilities in the European information space. The European Media Freedom Act (Regulation 2024/1083) becomes applicable across the European Union on 8 August 2025, introducing a harmonized framework aimed at strengthening media independence, transparency, and resilience to political and economic interference. Although directly applicable in all Member States, the regulation requires national adjustments to ensure effective implementation. This article examines Romania’s legislative and institutional efforts to align with EMFA requirements, highlighting progress, persistent gaps, and broader implications for media governance and democratic resilience.