Today, 30 June, Estonia concludes its co-chairmanship of the
Media Freedom Coalition – a role it has held since July 2023. Tomorrow, Finland will take over as co-chair alongside Germany.
Over the past two years, Estonia has actively promoted free and independent media, drawing attention to threats to media freedom – from the spread of disinformation to foreign information manipulation and influence operations. Estonia has also strongly advocated for the protection of freedom of expression in the digital environment. “Due to our own history, Estonia knows very well what it means to live in a society where free media is suppressed and the spread of diverse opinions is restricted,” Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said. “That is precisely why we consider it essential to promote a diverse and independent media space – both in Estonia and internationally. Our commitment is reflected in Estonia’s high second-place ranking in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index.”
Although Estonia’s co-chairmanship has now come to an end, it will continue its active involvement in the coalition’s executive group, which also includes Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Ghana, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
“I sincerely wish to thank the Netherlands and Germany for the excellent cooperation during our joint co-chairmanship and warmly welcome our northern neighbour Finland as they take over the baton,” Minister Tsahkna added, highlighting Finland’s strong reputation and dedication to defending independent journalism.
The Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) was established in 2019 by the United Kingdom and Canada and has since grown into a network of 51 countries. The coalition’s mission is to protect media freedom worldwide, offering diplomatic and consular support to journalists under threat and backing reforms aimed at improving protections for journalists and media workers. The MFC works in close cooperation with leading international civil society organisations, legal experts, and international partners, including UNESCO.
Until the end of 2025, Estonia also holds the chairmanship of the Freedom Online Coalition, which seeks to promote freedom of speech and expression in the digital environment.
Additional information
Communication Department
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www.vm.ee | @MFAestonia