Radio Free Europe's Bulgaria and Romania offices will cease operations due to the withdrawal of US government funding, an announcement made by representatives of the stations indicated.
On March 31, Radio Free Europe's offices in Bulgaria and Romania are set to cease operations as a result of the loss of US funding. This development follows a decision by former US President Donald Trump to halt financial support for Radio Free Europe and its affiliates, citing budget cuts as the rationale. The halt in funding means that these critical media outlets, which serve to provide reliable information in regions with limited independent press, will no longer be able to operate effectively.
In response to this impending closure, team members in Bulgaria are actively seeking solutions to continue serving their audience, reflecting a commitment to their mission despite the financial challenges. Meanwhile, the Romanian office has already confirmed its plans to stop operations by the end of March. The shut down of these outlets will have a significant impact on media diversity in both Bulgaria and Romania, contributing to the ongoing struggle for press freedom and the availability of diverse informational sources in the region.
Organizations advocating for press freedom, such as Reporters Without Borders, have expressed their dismay over the shutdowns, emphasizing that this will negatively affect citizens' rights to reliable information, particularly in Bulgaria, which has a limited number of independent media outlets. This decision raises broader questions about the prioritization of funding for media and the implications for free expression, especially in areas where independent journalism is already under siege.
