Maharat Foundation

EU Legislative Interests

Maharat Foundation aims to contribute to and influence EU policymaking, particularly in areas related to freedom of expression, media independence, information integrity, and digital governance, with a focus on their external application in EU neighborhood and international cooperation policies. In particular, Maharat Foundation seeks to target the following EU legislative proposals, regulations, and policy instruments: - European Media Freedom Act (Regulation 2024/1083): To advocate for the promotion and integration of EU standards on media independence, ownership transparency, and journalist protection in EU external relations, democracy support, and media development cooperation with third countries, including Lebanon and the MENA region. - Digital Services Act (Regulation 2022/2065): To contribute to discussions on the external relevance of platform accountability, transparency of content moderation, and disinformation countermeasures as part of EU digital governance cooperation with neighborhood and partner countries. - Regulation on Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (COM/2021/0731 final): To promote the integration of political advertising transparency standards into EU electoral assistance and support programs, particularly in fragile democratic contexts. - EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy (2020–2024, and future revisions): To advocate for strengthened EU action on the protection of journalists, safeguarding civic space, and addressing physical and digital threats facing journalists through external EU policies and funding instruments. - EU Global Gateway and Neighborhood Policy Instruments (DG NEAR / DG INTPA): To influence the prioritization of media sector reform, independent journalism support, and disinformation resilience as key components of EU cooperation with Lebanon and the wider MENA region. Thus, Maharat Foundation seeks to engage with relevant EU institutions, including the European Commission (DG CONNECT, DG NEAR, DG INTPA), the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Parliament, and other stakeholders involved in shaping EU external policy frameworks that intersect with media development, freedom of expression, and information integrity.

Communication Activities

Over the past two years, Maharat Foundation has carried out a wide range of communication, advocacy, and research activities that contribute to the public debate and policy development in areas closely aligned with the EU policies and legislative proposals listed above, particularly in relation to media pluralism, information integrity, freedom of expression, disinformation, platform regulation, and AI governance. Publications and research reports: - “Media Reform and Freedom of Expression in Lebanon: A Path Forward” (2023-2024), a comprehensive resource center hosted at: https://maharatfoundation.org/en/mediareformfoe. This series includes extensive legal reviews, policy briefs, and comparative studies of Lebanese and European media regulatory frameworks, with references to the Digital Services Act, European Media Freedom Act, and AI governance discussions. - “Information Integrity in Lebanon: Analysis and Policy Recommendations” (2024), which addresses challenges related to disinformation, platform accountability, deepfakes, and the protection of democratic processes, reflecting on EU regulations such as the DSA and the Code of Practice on Disinformation. - “The Role of the Media in Lebanon’s Reform Process” (2024), produced jointly with the Institute of Finance Basil Fuleihan, highlighting how media can better engage in policy reporting, transparency, and governance reforms, aligning with EU priorities on information integrity and democratic resilience. Events and expert dialogues: Multiple national roundtables and policy dialogues organized in Beirut in cooperation with EU Delegation representatives, focusing on legal reforms, media pluralism, and digital governance frameworks aligned with EU models. Expert panels including academic exchanges on European responses to online disinformation and the implementation of the DSA and EMFA. EU-supported exchanges and academic programs: Maharat participated in EU-funded exchange programs and academic partnerships addressing freedom of expression, media pluralism, and democratic governance. These activities have facilitated knowledge exchange between EU experts and Lebanese stakeholders on adapting EU regulatory best practices to national contexts. Advocacy campaigns and public awareness: Multiple media and digital campaigns disseminated through Maharat’s social media platforms and website, raising public awareness on freedom of expression, media regulation, and the importance of information integrity, including topics such as platform transparency, disinformation risks, and AI-generated content. Regular dissemination of briefings, factsheets, and policy notes targeted at local policymakers, journalists, and civil society actors to encourage alignment with EU standards. Active participation in international forums, including Internet Governance Forum sessions, addressing information integrity, media literacy, and freedom of expression, in line with EU policy frameworks. All communication outputs are publicly available on Maharat’s website and social media platforms.

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

Maharat Foundation is a member or participant in the following organizations, networks, coalitions, and consultative bodies relevant to its mission: IFEX – International Freedom of Expression Exchange Network (member) GFMD – Global Forum for Media Development (member) Consultative Network of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) (member, Lebanon) Lebanon Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Coalition (member) Coalition for Freedom of Expression in Lebanon (member) Coalition for the Independence of the Judiciary in Lebanon (member) United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) – holds special consultative status

Additional Information

The estimate of annual costs in this section is very law as Maharat has not been allocating costs in relation to interest representation activities outside Lebanon. This was done only by existing staff with the European Union Delegation in Lebanon when such representation was deemed necessary or when invited by the Delegation representatives.