Media freedom and pluralism
First step towards stronger EU measures, as consultation launched
The European Commission today announced the launch of public consultations on media freedom and pluralism and EU legislation, following on from the recommendations of its high-level group. The Greens welcomed the consultation, with Greens/EFA co-president Rebecca Harms stating:
"Today's consultation is a crucial first step for the EU to be more pro-active when it comes to defending media freedom and pluralism. With the media coming under increasing pressure in various EU member states - notably most recently in Hungary and Bulgaria - it is clear that more concerted action is needed. The European Union needs to have effective instruments to safeguard media freedom and pluralism of opinion in all its member states and we hope the consultation will support the recommendations of the high-level group to this end."
Green civil liberties spokesperson Rui Tavares added:
"A free and plural media landscape is an essential part of the core values on which the EU is founded and its citizens have a right to expect the EU institutions defend this. The EP has been calling for the institutions to take a stronger role in defending media freedom and it is welcome to see that commissioner Kroes is taking some steps in the right direction. There is a need to more closely monitor national media laws to ensure their compatibility with fundamental EU rights. The consultation launched today is an important step in this process."
