Poland: Media law latest step in dismantling of democracy

Today, on the initiative of the Greens/EFA Group, MEPs will debate Media freedom and further deterioration of the Rule of law in Poland. MEPs will vote on a resolution on the matter on Thursday. 

Terry Reintke MEP, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur on the resolution, comments:

“This media law is just the latest step in the Polish government’s playbook of how to turn a democracy into an autocratic state. First the government went after minorities, then the institutions of the State and now they’re going after the media. The Commission’s recent infringement actions against the Polish government are welcome but drops in the ocean when it comes to the dismantling of democracies in Europe. 

“The European Commission must ensure the correct implementation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and ensure transparency around media ownership and provide space for truly independent media to flourish. The European Commission needs to use the tools at its disposal and start infringement procedures in situations where Member States are not upholding standards around media pluralism, independence of the media and freedom of speech. The Article 7 process needs to move forwards in the Council if member states are serious about protecting the rule of law and media freedom. 

“In both Poland and Hungary the dismantling of democracy might be in full swing, but the ingredients for autocracy exist in every single country in Europe. It’s essential that the Commission takes action whenever attacks on the rule of law, democracy and media freedom occur. Not just for Poland but to halt democratic backsliding across the EU.”

More:
There will be a cross-party photo action with Terry Reintke and other Greens/EFA MEPs outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg at 14:45, today, in the courtyard in front of the LOUISE WEISS entrance.