The Netherlands is donating €3 million to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp has announced.
The organisation was plunged into a financial crisis when the Trump administration announced it was stopping grants to the pro-democracy broadcaster after having accused it of presenting a liberal bias.
“Radio Free Europe plays an important role in providing independent journalism, from Eastern Europe to Asia,” said Veldkamp. “It serves as a counterweight to Russian propaganda and disinformation, and promotes press freedom. With this donation the Netherlands hopes to promote press freedom and democratic values in the countries where RFE/RL works.”
In March, the Netherlands signed a statement initiated by the Czech Republic, where it based, underscoring the importance of RFE/RL and calling for the implementation of a long-term financial solution.
Last month, the European Union agreed to €5.5 million in funding.
