Portugal: Journalists’ union files complaint in Brussels over Lusa’s statutes for breach of EMFA

On 30 June, the Portuguese Journalists' Union (Sindicato dos Jornalistas) filed a complaint with the European Commission concerning the new statutes of LUSA, Portugal's state-owned news agency, arguing that they violate European law on the protection of editorial independence. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) in calling on the European Union to act swiftly to assess the case and ensure compliance with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) in the event that a violation is actually found.

Credit: LUSA logo.

According to the union, the amendments to the statutes, introduced by the Portuguese government in January 2026, breach several provisions of the European Media Freedom Act (Article 5, on the independent functioning of public service media providers and Article 4(2) on the editorial independence of media service providers).

The union is particularly critical of the new governance model, which allows for increased politisation, with the government directly appointing the Board of Directors, the establishment of a new oversight body dominated by political appointees, and the obligation that the Editorial Board (Directorate of Information) report to the Portuguese Parliament.

"The amendments are unlawful and increase the risk of external interference in the agency, particularly political influence and control over its editorial line," the union said in a press release. "They represent a risk of weakening the rule of law in Portugal with regard to freedom of information and communication in the medium and long-term. An immediate revision of the agency's statutes is therefore required to eliminate these risks and prevent their lasting effects."

"The alleged violation of the EMFA in Portugal poses a direct threat to the independence of journalism, especially since Lusa is a 100% publicly owned news agency that supplies the Portuguese media landscape. Its complete independence must be guaranteed. We urge the EU Media Board and the European Commission to use the powers at their disposal to act swiftly to assess the case and ensure compliance with European law," added EFJ President Maja Sever.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said "We stand with our affiliate the Portuguese Journalists' Union. The amendements to Luisa's statutes run counter to the EMFA's objectives and spirit and we urge the Portuguese government to commit to protecting media pluralism and media independence."

The complaint follows several actions undertaken by Lusa employees in Portugal to advocate for changes to the statutes, including submissions to the Portuguese Ombudsman, the Portuguese Media Regulatory Authority (ERC), and the Portuguese Parliament, as well as two strikes held on 12 March and 20 May.

This statement was produced by EFJ as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.