DG MENA – Middle East and North Africa

Why it matters

DG MENA, operating at the intersection of diplomacy, communication, and partnership, plays a crucial role in shaping Europe’s image and credibility in one of the world’s most contested information landscapes. Media freedom here is inseparable from Europe’s geopolitical and economic interests: a pluralistic information environment underpins stability, prevents radicalisation, and supports reform dialogue.

DG MENA’s work—often conducted jointly with the EEAS—bridges strategic communication and democracy support. In a region marked by shrinking civic space, supporting independent media is both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity.

Opportunities and Challenges ⚖️

Opportunities:

• Diplomatic convening power: DG MENA can bring together governments, media actors, and civil society to promote transparency and mutual understanding.

• Public diplomacy with integrity: By separating media support from promotional communication, MENA can reinforce Europe’s credibility as a values-based partner.

• Regional coordination: Aligning with EED, UNESCO, and regional donors allows pooling of resources and consistent safety protocols.

• Innovation and youth engagement: Supporting regional digital-media incubators and cross-border collaborations can give young journalists alternatives to state-controlled narratives.

“Media are not just messengers—they’re the mirror of our partnership.” — EU Diplomat, Beirut

Challenges:

MENA’s context is shaped by tight political controls, high security risks, and competing narratives. EU programmes risk being instrumentalised for visibility or strategic communication, blurring the line between support and influence.

“Media development organisations water down their approaches to go after every pot of money available.” — GFMD survey respondent, MENA

Short project cycles and limited transparency about donor priorities further undermine trust. Local partners often perceive EU funding as unpredictable or overly bureaucratic. Coordination with INTPA and EEAS is improving but remains ad hoc, particularly on risk management and learning.

🧩 Recommendations

1. Separate media-support from public-diplomacy portfolios; fund independent journalism under governance instruments, not communication budgets.

2. Expand rapid-response and relocation mechanisms for journalists at risk in the region.

3. Institutionalise donor coordination platforms led jointly with Delegations and Member-State institutes.

4. Commission periodic regional media-freedom reviews to guide strategy and adapt programming.

5. Invest in regional research and innovation hubs connecting journalists, technologists, and civic actors.

Field voices

“Ten years after the Arab Spring, deep states are stronger and civil-society space is shrinking.” — Media director, MENA region

“Donors need to talk to people on the ground with experience, foresight, and knowledge.” — GFMD respondent

“Our independence is our credibility. Support us, but don’t claim us.” — Local journalist, Levant