In recent years, the Baltic states—Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia—have ascended as pioneering advocates for media freedom on the international stage. Their emergence as global leaders in this domain is underscored by their top rankings in the newly released Index on International Media Freedom Support (IMFS). This index, a groundbreaking effort by independent academic institutions, meticulously evaluates how countries support media freedom beyond their national borders through a combination of diplomatic engagement, financial investments, and measures to ensure the safety of journalists. The impressive performance of the Baltic states signals both a political commitment born from unique historical experiences and a proactive strategy to counter the global spread of misinformation.
The IMFS Index, an innovative evaluative tool developed by scholars at the University of East Anglia and City St George’s, University of London, draws from comprehensive data spanning recent years. Its multifaceted approach quantifies a nation’s foreign policy enactments promoting media freedom, moving beyond simple rhetoric to examine tangible actions. By assessing diplomatic activities, funding allocations, and journalist safety protocols internationally, the index offers a nuanced portrait of the real-world impact states have in fostering a free press environment globally. Among the 30 OECD member countries analyzed, Lithuania has emerged as the frontrunner, a position reflective not only of its diplomatic zeal but also of pioneering programs like its visa scheme designed to protect journalists in exile from authoritarian regimes, particularly from Russia and Belarus.
Lithuania’s ascendancy signals more than just isolated success; it embodies a strategic leveraging of foreign policy instruments to uphold democratic values through media freedom advocacy. This approach materializes in dedicated diplomatic efforts that seek to amplify the importance of independent journalism in thwarting the pervasive threats from state-sponsored misinformation and propaganda. Estonia and Latvia rank prominently as well, occupying the 4th and 9th positions respectively—demonstrating a regional coherence in their prioritization of media freedom as a central pillar of their external engagements. Their efforts underscore a recognition that safeguarding information integrity internationally is inextricably linked to their own national security and democratic resilience amid geopolitical tensions.
Crucially, the IMFS index distinguishes the Baltic states’ practical commitment to media freedom support from the often symbolic or inconsistent efforts displayed by larger global actors. Sweden, for instance, ranks second owing to its robust financial investments in supporting independent journalism just beyond its borders. Notably, Sweden allocated approximately 0.9% of its foreign aid budget to media support in 2023, a significant elevation when contrasted against the 0.16% average ratio among the assessed nations. This example illustrates how substantial financial commitment can complement diplomatic actions to build an effective framework for promoting press freedom globally.
However, the index also reveals a stark disparity among some of the world’s most influential democracies. Four members of the Group of Seven, namely the United Kingdom, United States, Italy, and Japan, were placed in the lowest ‘bronze’ category, ranking with 10 points or fewer. Such scores expose a troubling gap between these countries’ public proclamations and their real-world support mechanisms for global media freedom. This disconnect is particularly significant given that these nations possess the resources and international clout to effect substantial change yet appear to underperform relative to their stated commitments.
From a critical perspective, these findings prompt a deeper inquiry into the global governance of media freedom support frameworks. Many of the G7 nations have historically championed narratives of democracy and free press on international platforms but demonstrate less follow-through when it comes to tangible policy interventions or financial backing. Professor Mel Bunce of City St George’s highlights this inconsistency, noting that despite high-profile commitments, actual delivery on supporting media freedom often falls short. This discrepancy may stem from shifting domestic political priorities, bureaucratic inertia, or competing budgetary interests overshadowing media freedom initiatives.
The United States, despite appearing mid-tier in the index at equal 12th place, obscures a nuanced reality. While data included in the IMFS draws upon 2023 financial figures, it does not yet capture the substantial aid cuts announced for 2025, which have drastically curtailed the scope of U.S. media assistance programs abroad. Such reductions are consequential, given the previous role of U.S. funding in underpinning media development projects internationally. This time lag in reporting underscores the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of geopolitical support landscapes for media freedom, necessitating ongoing, real-time evaluation models to monitor trends accurately.
A foundational aim of the IMFS is to shed light on the foreign policy instruments nations employ to bolster journalistic autonomy and media pluralism beyond their borders, thereby addressing emerging global challenges such as misinformation campaigns conducted by malign state actors. The Baltic states’ leadership reflects not only an understanding of these challenges but also a resolve to counteract them through multilateral collaboration and innovative policy tools, including dedicated visa regimes to safeguard persecuted journalists. Such initiatives not only provide immediate relief but also symbolize an active defense of fundamental democratic principles internationally.
The IMFS Index’s release, slated for October 24th, 2025, at the IPI World Congress in Vienna, carries significant implications for the international media and democracy community. By spotlighting comparative performances and fostering accountability, the index seeks to catalyze enhanced cooperation and resource mobilization toward more coherent and sustained media freedom support. It also invites policymakers, civil society organizations, and media practitioners to recalibrate strategies, learning from best practices exemplified by the Baltic nations while addressing the shortcomings exposed among traditional democratic powers.
Integral to this endeavor is the newly established Centre for Journalism and Democracy at City St George’s, which publishes the IMFS Index and spearheads research addressing the evolving threats confronting journalism worldwide. By partnering with journalists, NGOs, think tanks, and policymakers, the center aims to examine the repercussions of curtailed press freedoms on civil society and democratic institutions. It further endeavors to design pragmatic interventions and innovative frameworks to safeguard and reimagine ethical journalism for future generations, affirming the indispensable role of an independent press in civil life.
In summation, the IMFS Index not only serves as a crucial barometer of current global support for media freedom but also underscores the Baltic states’ exceptional contributions in this field. Their proactive diplomacy, innovative visa programs for exiled journalists, and steadfast commitment offer a replicable model for other nations seeking to bolster international media freedom in an era marked by rising authoritarianism and information warfare. Conversely, the index challenges larger democratic powers to bridge the gap between rhetoric and action, reaffirming the necessity for consistent, well-resourced, and coordinated efforts to defend one of democracy’s core pillars in an increasingly complex media ecosystem.
The global media landscape stands at a critical juncture, confronted with heightened threats from disinformation and hostile foreign actors intent on destabilizing democratic societies. Against this backdrop, concerted international support for media freedom emerges as a strategic imperative—one that the Baltic states have embraced with distinction. Their leadership in this space illustrates how small nations, informed by their historical experiences and geopolitical realities, can exercise outsized influence in defending the free flow of information, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and transparent global order.
Subject of Research: International support for media freedom and foreign policy measures promoting journalistic safety and independence
Article Title: Baltic States Lead Global Efforts in Supporting Media Freedom, New Index Reveals
News Publication Date: October 24, 2025
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Keywords: Media freedom, Baltic states, journalism support, international diplomacy, misinformation, press freedom index, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, United States, Sweden, G7, foreign aid, journalist safety
