17/11/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 17 November, the EU criticised the probable extension of the foreign agents regime to foreign media. "An extension of the 'foreign agents' regime to foreign media, in addition to its existing application to Russian NGOs, would be an additional threat to free and independent media and to access to information", an EU spokesperson told EUROPE. The spokesperson said that the legislation on foreign agents and its application "further tighten the restrictions on the exercise of fundamental freedoms in Russia, consume the scarce resources of NGOs and inhibit independent civil society in the country". The legislation "goes against Russia's human rights obligations and commitments", the spokesperson added. Although the Duma voted on Thursday 16 November to extend this legislation, it still has to be approved by Russia's senators and promulgated by its president. (CG)