Sweden throws Radio Free Europe $2 million lifeline after US withdrawal

Sweden’s government said Thursday that it was pledging $2 million to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after US President Donald Trump’s administration froze funding to the broadcaster.

“After the United States withdrew its support for Radio Free Europe, people in many countries risk a lack of access to free media,” said a government statement.

It would be donating 20 million kronor ($2 million) in 2025 to the Prague-based station, the statement added.

Trump’s funding freeze

Founded by the United States during the Cold War to counter Soviet propaganda, RFE/RL had an annual budget of $142 million in 2024.

US President Donald Trump in March froze US funding to the broadcaster of $77 million to slash government spending, a decision which has been appealed in US court.

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‘Free and independent media essential’

RFE/RL reaches almost 50 million people in countries including Belarus, China, Iran or Russia, seeking to counter the official propaganda in those countries.

Employing 1 700 staff and broadcasting in 27 languages to 23 countries, it has remained operational, the Czech government also having stepped in to keep it afloat.

“Free and independent media are essential for vibrant and prosperous democracies but not something we can take for granted,” Sweden’s EU Minister Jessica Rosencrantz said in a statement.

“Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has long been a key player in providing fact-based information where it is most needed,” she added.

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