A free, independent and plural media is a key part of any democratic society, informing the public and holding power to account. However, media systems are increasingly shaped by political influence, legal pressure, and the growing spread of disinformation. In a fragmented Europe, weaker coordination between states has made it harder to apply universally established protections, allowing for greater interference and state control of media systems. At the same time, a rise in misinformation has led to political apathy, a decline in public trust, and increased pressure on journalists, who are often facing both political and public attacks. This topic will aim to answer two important questions: How do we keep the media free and fair when governments or political actors try to influence it? And how can safeguards be upheld across Europe without undermining state sovereignty, while also preventing the spread of disinformation?