Luxembourg modernises media law

Matt C, Unsplash

On 7 October 2025, the Minister for Media and Digital Connectivity, Elisabeth Margue, presented the long-awaited draft media law that the authorities have been working on for more than two decades. The new text will replace the regulation on "media electronics", which has been in force since 1991 and is not in line with the digital age.

According to the minister, it is a "decisive step in the modernisation of media regulation". The law creates for the first time a common framework for all types of media - from television and print media to podcasts and bloggers - ensuring a technology-neutral approach and a level playing field for competition.

Key changes

Uniform rules for all media

The law covers television, press, online content, video platforms and content creators influencing public opinion. "Influencers and content creators must be subject to the same ethical principles as traditional media," the minister emphasised.

Principles and constraints

The law clearly defines prohibitions - on incitement to violence and hatred, distribution of child pornography, propaganda of war crimes and insults to human dignity.

General norms of transparency and publicity

Advertising and transparency standards now apply to all media, including digital.

Protection of minors

Video platforms are required to implement age verification systems and mechanisms to protect children from harmful content.

It's easier to run the media

Complicated licensing procedures are replaced by a simple notification system - most media outlets will be able to start operating without bureaucratic hurdles.

New status of the regulator

ALIA, existing as an audiovisual body, will become the "Autorité luxembourgeoise indépendante des médias" - with expanded powers, sanctioning powers and a new governance system. The body will not only monitor compliance with the law, but also promote the development of a pluralistic and sustainable media environment.

Legal basis for public media

For the first time, a legal framework for the operation and financing of state media is being introduced.

Reducing bureaucracy

Definitions, categories and administrative procedures are simplified: now all interaction issues are centred in one body - the new ALIA.

Co-operation with the Press Council

A mechanism for exchange of views and mutual consultation between the regulator and the Press Council is established, which is also given the right of self-initiated ethics investigations.

The bill integrates two key EU regulations:

(UE) 2024/1083 - on media freedom, guaranteeing editorial independence and transparency of media ownership;
(UE) 2024/900 - on political advertising, introducing strict rules on transparency and control of sponsored content.

Elisabeth Margue emphasised that the new legal framework reflects the current reality: media are no longer divided by format, but are united by their responsibility to society.

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