Does the Commission buy positive reporting? Questions on transparency with regard to media spending

Question for written answer E-001377/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christine Anderson (ESN)

A recent news report stated that the German Federal Government has spent around EUR 85 million over the past year on advertising, which was distributed to media outlets and influencers to ensure positive coverage[1]. This raises questions about the transparency and independence of the media.

• 1.Are there any similar cases in which the Commission has paid money to media outlets and influencers to encourage positive reporting?
• 2.How much money has the European Commission spent on advertising and public relations in the last three years, and to which media outlets or influencers has this been paid?
• 3.What measures is the Commission taking to ensure that such spending is transparent and does not jeopardise the independence of the media?

Submitted: 18.7.2024

• [1] https://www.freilich-magazin.com/gesellschaft/diese-agentur-kauft-mit-steuermillionen-gute-presse-fuer-die-bundesregierung