How the EU Media Wallet Supports Democratic Resilience

Disinformation is a structural threat to European democracies. It distorts public debate, erodes trust in institutions, and undermines the integrity of elections. At the same time, the news sector itself is struggling to survi

ve. Independent outlets are losing revenue, young people are disengaging, and the information space is increasingly shaped by algorithms that reward outrage over accuracy.

The EU Media Wallet was designed in response to this crisis. By creating a single, multilingual hub for verified journalism, the Media Wallet aims to rebuild the infrastructure of trust that disinformation has corroded.

At the heart of the project is a simple idea: make quality news easier to access. The platform allows users to pay per article, removing the need for multiple subscriptions and lowering the financial barrier to independent journalism. For young adults aged 18 to 24, the Youth News Pass offers free access to selected content, helping to form news habits at a critical age.

This matters because disinformation thrives in environments where quality journalism is inaccessible. When readers can’t afford subscriptions or don’t know where to find trustworthy sources, they turn to social media, where content is driven by engagement, not editorial standards.

The EU Media Wallet offers an alternative: a space where users can explore diverse perspectives from outlets that meet the standards of the European Media Freedom Act.

For smaller news organisations, the Media Wallet offers more than visibility. It provides a new revenue stream, a chance to reach younger audiences, and a shared infrastructure that reduces the pressure to chase clicks or rely on advertising alone.

Crucially, it also offers credibility, only eligible outlets can publish on the platform, helping users navigate the increasingly complex landscape of online information.

Disinformation is a systemic problem, and it requires systemic solutions. The EU Media Wallet is one such solution. By lowering barriers to access, supporting editorial independence, and reconnecting citizens with journalism, it strengthens the foundations of democratic life.

Because democratic resilience begins with informed citizens - and informed citizens need access to trustworthy news.