Those are most likely illegal too, although local DPAs have been mucking with allowing them.
The CJEU however doesn't seem to like the practice, considering Meta/Facebook wants to do the same scheme, and as a general rule, when a major company does it, it'll eventually get a decision from the CJEU.
By the letter of the law these cookie paywalls are actually illegal. I assume the news sites are intentionally taking the risk till there is legal clarification/precedent.
I wish them that the EU comes crashing down with a hammer and demands all ad revenue of that time back.
The CJEU however doesn't seem to like the practice, considering Meta/Facebook wants to do the same scheme, and as a general rule, when a major company does it, it'll eventually get a decision from the CJEU.