Roberta Metsola Implicated in €132 Million Media Funding Scandal Ahead of EU Elections

Foreign media reports have revealed that €132 million was distributed primarily to EU-friendly media outlets during the European Parliament elections run-up. The funds were allocated through Havas Media France, a private advertising agency, with no transparency or competitive bidding process. Allegations suggest that the objective was to influence media coverage in favour of candidates endorsed by Brussels.

A Double Standard in European Politics?

The same European political establishment that routinely criticises leaders like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin for media influence now faces accusations of covertly financing news organisations to shape public opinion before elections. This raises serious concerns about transparency, press freedom, and the integrity of the democratic process.

The lack of disclosure regarding which media outlets received these funds and under what conditions has fueled speculation that the initiative was a deliberate effort to manipulate media narratives in favour of EU leadership.

Von der Leyen and Metsola Under Scrutiny

According to Il Fatto Quotidiano, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola oversaw the distribution of these funds without disclosing the beneficiaries or the criteria for allocation. The secrecy surrounding this operation has intensified criticism of the EU’s commitment to press freedom and raised questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Who Benefited—and Why?

One of the scandal’s most alarming aspects is the complete absence of public records detailing which media organisations received funding. If, as reports suggest, media outlets were financially incentivised to produce pro-EU coverage, this would constitute a serious breach of journalistic ethics.

In Italy, for example, major news outlets such as La Repubblica allegedly received direct payments in exchange for publishing content favourable to EU institutions—without informing their readers. If confirmed, this would amount to covert propaganda funded by European taxpayers.

Bypassing Public Scrutiny

Rather than conducting an open bidding process or issuing public calls for proposals, EU institutions outsourced the operation to a private entity, effectively shielding it from public oversight. By entrusting the distribution to Havas Media France, the European Commission and Parliament ensured that the financial transactions remained outside the reach of traditional accountability mechanisms.

Critics argue that this tactic mirrors methods used by authoritarian regimes, where state-backed funding subtly controls media narratives while maintaining the illusion of press independence.

A Covert Effort to Sway the Elections?

The European Parliament elections took place in June 2024, during which candidates who did not align with Brussels’ directives—myself included—faced hostile media coverage. At the same time, Roberta Metsola and Ursula von der Leyen were directing taxpayer-funded payments to media outlets, allegedly to influence election outcomes in their favour. Von der Leyen was seeking reappointment as European Commission President, while Metsola aimed to consolidate her political position. This strategic allocation of media funding raises serious concerns about election integrity and potential political interference.

Independent journalists and opposition figures have already called for a full investigation, demanding accountability for how public funds were used. Many argue that media should serve as a check on political power—not as a paid mouthpiece for those in office.

Demands for Transparency and Accountability

This latest revelation adds to growing fears about EU interference in the media landscape and the erosion of independent journalism in Europe. Press freedom organisations and media watchdogs have demanded that EU officials disclose how the €132 million was allocated, who received payments, and whether any editorial obligations were imposed.

If these allegations are confirmed, the scandal could significantly damage public trust in European institutions and raise urgent questions about the ethical boundaries of EU-funded journalism.

As pressure mounts, von der Leyen, Metsola, and the European Commission will have to respond—or risk further fueling concerns of state-sponsored media manipulation just months before European voters head to the polls.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.