Debate: Government attempts to silence free media in Poland, Hungary and Slovenia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 10 MARCH 2021
Speaker: Ana Paula Zacarias
Language: EN

The freedom and pluralism of the media also reflects the underlying principle of our freedom of expression and information, as enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. In this context, the EU and national institutions must ensure that independent, free and diverse media thrive, that journalists are protected from any harmful interference in their functions, and that citizens have access to reliable information. This should be true for every single Member State. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated challenges that were already present before for media and journalists, such as the sharp decline in revenues and the numerous transformations brought about by the new digital environment. Yet a free, independent and pluralistic media has never been as important as today to ensure a constructive, rational and open debate in our democracies. We have all seen the damage that conspiracy theories, fake news and disinformation can generate in our societies. They are the breeding ground for distrust and polarisation. In current times, journalists are not just watchdogs for democracy. They are key workers in the protection of all of us from the virus of disinformation. The variety of information and the plurality of voices are part and parcel of our democratic systems. A trustworthy media system is key to ensuring that all citizens are able to participate in the democratic debate through informed decision-making. The European democracy action plan, the EU media and audiovisual action plan and the Digital Services Act, recently tabled by the Commission, are important steps forward and set out actions to strengthen Europe’s media ecosystem. On 23 February, I chaired a meeting of European Affairs Ministers, where we discussed the democracy action plan. We considered it a timely initiative, aiming to strengthen democratic processes and address currently existing vulnerabilities, including those threatening free and pluralistic media and freedom of speech. Back in November, two days after the Parliament adopted its resolution on strengthening media freedom, on 25 November, the Council sent a strong message on the importance of safeguarding a free and pluralistic media system and also in its Council conclusions. Ministers will continue to highlight the importance of media freedom, including through the framework of the European rule of law mechanism. Indeed, media pluralism and media freedom constitutes one of the four pillars of the rule of law annual report prepared by the Commission. The Presidency is committed to pursuing the annual Council rule of law dialogue, initiated by the German Presidency during their Presidency, and to continue discussing these issues. On 20 April, we will have a country—specific discussion with Ministers of European Affairs concerning five Member States – Germany, Ireland, Greece, Spain and France – and soon all Member States will follow by protocol order. Last year, the discussions demonstrated the willingness of Member States to cooperate and learn from each other, including on media freedom. We trust that every Member State will fully contribute to this important debate and ensure that media pluralism and freedom remain a reality. We all have a joint responsibility to guarantee that the rule of law and fundamental rights remain the cornerstone of our common European project.